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Exercise Guide

How to do barbell incline triceps extension

Master the setup, range of motion, and tempo for safer, more effective reps.

The barbell incline triceps extension is a powerful isolation exercise that specifically targets the long head of the triceps. By lying on an incline bench, you increase the stretch on the muscle at the bottom of the movement, leading to greater hypertrophy. This exercise is excellent for developing the back of the arms and improving lockout strength for other heavy pressing movements.

Stats

TIER
1
DIFFICULTY
Intermediate to Advanced
EQUIPMENT
Bench, Barbell
TARGET MUSCLES
Triceps

Instructions for Proper Form

Setup:

  1. Incline Bench: Adjust the bench to an incline of approximately 45 degrees.
  2. Starting Position: Lie back on the bench and hold the barbell with an overhand grip, hands shoulder-width apart or slightly narrower. Extend your arms straight up with the barbell directly over your shoulders.
  3. Elbow Position: Maintain a slight bend in your elbows to avoid hyperextension.

The Lift:

  1. Controlled Lowering: Keeping your upper arms stationary, slowly lower the barbell by bending your elbows. The barbell should travel in a straight line towards your forehead.
  2. Depth: Lower the barbell until you feel a deep stretch in your triceps.
  3. Press Upward: Extend your elbows to press the barbell back to the starting position. Avoid locking out your elbows.
  4. Repeat: Perform the desired number of repetitions.

Tips:

  • Forearm Vertical: Keep your forearms perpendicular to the floor throughout the movement.
  • Upper Arm Angle: Your upper arms should stay at a consistent angle relative to the floor during the entire exercise.
  • Slow and Controlled: Avoid using momentum. Focus on the triceps doing the work.

Variations:

  • Dumbbell Incline Triceps Extension: Perform the exercise with a dumbbell in each hand for individual arm work.
  • EZ-Bar Incline Triceps Extension: Utilize an EZ-curl bar for a more comfortable grip position.

Common mistakes: Flaring the elbows out to the sides, bringing the bar to the chin instead of the forehead or behind the head, and arching the back off the bench.

Alternatives

Bench

dumbbell incline triceps extension

Triceps
Cable

cable one arm tricep pushdown

Triceps
Cable

cable pushdown(with rope)

Triceps
Cable

cable one arm side triceps pushdown

Triceps
Bench

barbell incline triceps extension

Triceps
Cable

cable bent overhead tricep extension

Triceps
Cable

cable overhead triceps extension

Triceps
Dumbbell

dumbbell incline two arm triceps extension

Triceps
Cable

cable lying triceps extension(low)

Triceps
Cable

cable reverse grip triceps pushdown(sz-bar)

Triceps
Bench

barbell seated overhead triceps extension

Triceps
Dumbbell

dumbbell seated triceps extension

Triceps
Dumbbell

dumbbell one arm tricep extension

Triceps
Cable

cable lying triceps extension

Triceps
Bench

barbell lying triceps extension

Triceps
Triceps Extension Machine

machine triceps extension

Triceps
Cable

cable triceps pushdown(SZ bar)

Triceps
Decline Bench

ez-barbell decline triceps extension

Triceps
Dumbbell

dumbbell one arm kickback

Triceps
Bench

dumbbell triceps kickback

Triceps
Dip Bar

weighted triceps dips

TricepsChest+1
None

dips on chair

TricepsChest+1
Barbell

barbell incline close grip bench press

TricepsFront Shoulder+1
None

kneeling triceps extension

Triceps
Dumbbell

dumbbell lying triceps extension

Triceps
Ez Barbell

ez-barbell incline triceps extension

Triceps
Dumbbell

dumbbell seated triceps extension

Triceps
Cable

cable triceps pushdown(v-bar)

Triceps
Smith Machine

smit-machine close grip bench press

TricepsChest+1
Bench

barbell close grip bench press

TricepsChest+1