Back to Library

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:

  1. Sit Tall: Sit on a bench with back support. Your feet should be firmly planted on the floor.
  2. 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.
  3. Engage Core: Tighten your core for stability.

The Lift:

  1. 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.
  2. Powerful Extension: Forcefully extend your elbows, pressing the barbell back to the starting position. Squeeze your triceps at the top.
  3. 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