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Exercise Guide
How to do barbell seated overhead triceps extension
Master the setup, range of motion, and tempo for safer, more effective reps.
This seated exercise isolates the triceps, particularly the long head, by pressing the weight from behind the head to a full overhead extension. The seated position stabilizes the torso, allowing you to focus entirely on the triceps contraction. It is an effective movement for building arm size and strength while ensuring that the muscles are worked through a full and challenging range of motion.
Stats
TIER
2
DIFFICULTY
Intermediate to Advanced
EQUIPMENT
Bench, Barbell
TARGET MUSCLES
Triceps
Instructions for Proper Form
Setup:
- Sit Tall: Sit on a bench with back support. Your feet should be firmly planted on the floor.
- Starting Position: Hold a barbell overhead with a close, overhand grip (palms facing away from you). Your arms should be fully extended, elbows close to your head.
- Engage Core: Tighten your core for stability.
The Lift:
- Controlled Lower: Slowly bend your elbows, lowering the barbell behind your head until you feel a stretch in your triceps. Keep your elbows pointing upward and close to your head.
- Powerful Extension: Forcefully extend your elbows, pressing the barbell back to the starting position. Squeeze your triceps at the top.
- Reset: Breathe and prepare for the next repetition.
Tips:
- Start with an EZ-Bar: An EZ-bar provides a more comfortable and wrist-friendly grip.
- Focus on Triceps: Concentrate on using your triceps to move the weight, not momentum.
- Maintain Upright Posture: Avoid slouching or bending forward, which can reduce effectiveness and increase strain.
Common mistakes: Flaring the elbows out to the sides, arching the lower back, and failing to lower the bar enough to get a full stretch in the triceps.
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