TETSUBody-Up vs Cable Reverse-Grip Pushdown
The Body-Up and the Cable Reverse-Grip Pushdown both train the triceps as their primary muscle. The Body-Up is bodyweight-only while the Cable Reverse-Grip Pushdown uses a cable. Here is how they compare and when to pick each.
Side-by-side comparison
| Body-Up | Cable Reverse-Grip Pushdown | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary muscle | triceps | triceps |
| Body part | upper arms | upper arms |
| Supporting muscles | chest and shoulders | forearms |
| Equipment | bodyweight | cable |
| Steps in our guide | 5 | 7 |
How each one starts
Body-Up — first steps
- Start by placing your hands on a raised surface, such as a bench or parallel bars, with your palms facing down and fingers pointing forward.
- Extend your legs out in front of you, keeping your heels on the ground and your body straight.
Cable Reverse-Grip Pushdown — first steps
- Attach a straight bar to a high pulley cable machine.
- Stand facing the machine with your feet shoulder-width apart.
Full step-by-step guides are linked below.
Which should you choose?
The Body-Up needs no equipment and scales through leverage, tempo and reps. The Cable Reverse-Grip Pushdown keeps constant tension on the muscle through the whole range of motion. If your gym has both options, neither is a wrong choice: pick the one that feels strongest through a full range, and swap after 6 to 8 weeks to keep the triceps adapting.
Full form guides
Common questions
Is the Body-Up better than the Cable Reverse-Grip Pushdown?
Neither is universally better — both train the triceps as the primary mover. The Body-Up needs no equipment and scales through leverage, tempo and reps, while the Cable Reverse-Grip Pushdown keeps constant tension on the muscle through the whole range of motion. Choose based on your equipment and which movement you can progress consistently.
Can I do both the Body-Up and the Cable Reverse-Grip Pushdown in the same program?
Yes, but usually not in the same session — they overlap heavily on the triceps. A common setup is one as your main movement and the other on a second training day, or alternating them block by block.
Do the Body-Up and the Cable Reverse-Grip Pushdown work the same muscles?
The primary muscle is the same: the triceps. Supporting muscles differ slightly — chest and shoulders for the Body-Up versus forearms for the Cable Reverse-Grip Pushdown.
Track it in Tetsu
Tetsu tracks both movements separately, keeps your PRs per exercise, and tells you which one is actually progressing. Free to start.