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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:

  1. Incline Bench: Adjust the bench to an incline of approximately 45 degrees.
  2. 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.
  3. Elbow Position: Maintain a slight bend in your elbows to avoid hyperextension.

The Lift:

  1. 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.
  2. Depth: Lower the dumbbells until you feel a deep stretch in your triceps.
  3. 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