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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:
- Incline Bench: Adjust the bench to an incline of approximately 45 degrees.
- 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.
- Elbow Position: Maintain a slight bend in your elbows to avoid hyperextension.
The Lift:
- 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.
- Depth: Lower the barbell until you feel a deep stretch in your triceps.
- Press Upward: Extend your elbows to press the barbell back to the starting position. Avoid locking out your elbows.
- 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