Exercises like push-ups (especially diamond push-ups) and tricep kickbacks are popular for targeting the triceps, but the overhead triceps extension is one exercise you shouldn’t overlook. This exercise stretches and strengthens the entire tricep muscle through a full range of motion, hitting areas other exercises can miss.
You can use a dumbbell or a weight plate to perform the move. As with any exercise that involves weight, start with a lighter weight to focus on your form, and gradually increase it as you get stronger. If you're in a gym, you can easily adjust to heavier weights, while at home, one of the best adjustable dumbbells will let you change the weight to match your progress.
To understand why the overhead triceps extension is essential for any triceps workout, we spoke with Luiz Silva, a personal trainer, spin instructor and certified strength and conditioning coach. Silva explained the main benefits of this exercise, shared tips on perfecting your form, and offered two variations to keep your arm days exciting.
Luiz Silva is a certified personal trainer, strength and conditioning coach and spin instructor. He is currently head of fitness at Castle Royle.
What are the benefits of overhead triceps extensions?
According to Coach Silva, the overhead triceps extension is particularly effective because it, “Increases the angle of the shoulder joint, stretching the long head of the triceps.” The long head of the triceps is the largest part of the triceps muscle, running along the back of your upper arm and extending from the shoulder joint to the elbow. It's responsible for both extending the elbow and stabilizing the shoulder.
The stretching involved in an overhead triceps extension is key to fully activating the muscle. When you raise your arms overhead, the long head is engaged more than with other triceps exercises, leading to greater tension and harder work for the muscle. Silva adds, “This extra stretch increases the tears in the muscle fibers,” which is essential for muscle growth.
The combination of increased muscle fiber tears and the range of motion delivered by the overhead position makes this exercise powerful for both muscle hypertrophy and toning. Whether your goal is to build strength or increase muscle definition in your arms, incorporating the overhead triceps extension can boost your progress.
What is the correct form for an overhead triceps extension?
- Sit or stand up, holding a dumbbell or weight plate above your head. Keep the weight slightly forward so you can just see your elbows.
- Bend your elbows and lower the weight behind your neck. As you do this, keep your shoulders away from your ears to stabilize them and protect your neck. Make sure your elbows stay squeezed inward to better isolate the triceps.
- Pull your belly in tight and brace your core to prevent arching in the lower back. If you’re standing, keep your knees slightly bent for added stability.
- Straighten your arms and return the weight to the starting position above your head, maintaining control throughout the movement.
Are there any variations of the overhead triceps extension?
Yes! Silva suggested two variations of the overhead triceps extension move that are worth trying in your next upper body session.
One-arm Dumbbell Triceps Extension
- Stand or sit and hold a dumbbell in one hand above your head. Use your opposite hand to gently support the working arm by holding it just below the elbow.
- Bend your elbow and slowly lower the dumbbell behind your neck. Keep your core engaged to prevent arching your back, and maintain control throughout the movement.
- Straighten your arm to lift the dumbbell back to the starting position above your head. Ensure your elbow stays close to your head to isolate the triceps.
Lying down triceps extension
- Lie on your back on the floor or a bench, holding a dumbbell in each hand. Extend your arms straight up, positioning the dumbbells directly above your shoulders.
- Bend your elbows and slowly lower the dumbbells toward the sides of your head. Focus on keeping your elbows pointed inward as you lower the weights to maintain proper form and isolate the triceps.
- Straighten your arms to raise the dumbbells back to the starting position above your shoulders. Keep your core engaged to stabilize your body.
More from Tom's Guide
- 5 best exercises to grow your triceps using a resistance band
- I did triceps dips every day for a week — here’s what happened
- 4 reasons you’re not building muscle in the gym — according to a strength and conditioning coach
