Back to Library
Exercise Guide
How to do dumbbell one arm tricep extension
Master the setup, range of motion, and tempo for safer, more effective reps.
This unilateral isolation exercise allows you to focus on one arm at a time, ensuring equal development and strength. By extending the dumbbell overhead, you target the triceps through a full range of motion. It helps fix muscle imbalances and improves elbow stability. Using a single arm also engages the core to maintain an upright posture during the movement.
Stats
TIER
2
DIFFICULTY
Untrained to Advanced
EQUIPMENT
Dumbbell
TARGET MUSCLES
Triceps
Instructions for Proper Form
Setup:
- Seated or Standing: You can perform this exercise either seated on a bench or standing with feet shoulder-width apart.
- Grip: Grab a dumbbell and hold it vertically behind your head with your palm facing upwards (neutral grip). Your upper arm should be close to your head.
- Engage Core: Tighten your core for stability.
The Lift:
- Initiate the Extension: Keeping your upper arm still, extend your elbow to push the dumbbell upwards until your arm is fully extended.
- Squeeze at the Top: Briefly squeeze your triceps at the top of the movement.
- Controlled Return: Slowly lower the dumbbell back to the starting position, returning your hand behind your head.
- Reset: Rest briefly, then prepare for the next repetition.
Tips:
- Focus on Your Triceps: Concentrate on using your triceps to move the weight, not momentum.
- Don't Flare Elbows: Maintain an upright posture and keep your elbows pointed forward and close to your head to emphasize triceps engagement.
Common mistakes: Allowing the elbow to move away from the head and using a weight that is too heavy, leading to poor form.
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