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Exercise Guide
How to do dumbbell incline triceps extension
Master the setup, range of motion, and tempo for safer, more effective reps.
Performed on an incline bench, this variation puts the triceps under a unique stretch by changing the angle of the upper arm relative to the torso. It primarily targets the long head of the triceps, promoting muscle hypertrophy and definition. The incline position helps stabilize the back and prevents cheating, ensuring that the triceps do the majority of the work throughout.
Stats
TIER
1
DIFFICULTY
Untrained to Advanced
EQUIPMENT
Bench, Dumbbell
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, holding a dumbbell in each hand with a neutral grip (palms facing each other). Extend your arms straight up overhead so the dumbbells are positioned 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 bend your elbows to lower the dumbbells towards your forehead. The dumbbells should travel in a straight line down towards the sides of your head.
- Depth: Lower the dumbbells until you feel a deep stretch in your triceps.
- Press Upward: Extend your elbows to press the dumbbells back to the starting position. Avoid locking out your elbows at the top.
Tips:
- Forearm Vertical: Try to 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.
Common mistakes: Moving the upper arms during the rep rather than keeping them fixed, and rushing the eccentric phase.
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