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Exercise Guide
How to do dumbbell seated triceps extension
Master the setup, range of motion, and tempo for safer, more effective reps.
Performed while sitting to eliminate momentum, this overhead movement isolates the long head of the triceps. Lowering a dumbbell behind the head provides a deep stretch, which is essential for maximum muscle growth. This exercise helps build arm thickness and improves overhead lockout strength, making it a staple for anyone looking to increase their pressing power and develop well-defined arms.
Stats
TIER
2
DIFFICULTY
Untrained to Advanced
EQUIPMENT
Dumbbell, Bench
TARGET MUSCLES
Triceps
Instructions for Proper Form
Setup:
- Seated position: Sit upright on a bench with feet flat on the floor.
- Starting Position: Hold a single dumbbell overhead with both hands, palms facing upwards. Your elbows should be close to your head.
- Engage Core: Tighten your core for stability.
The Lift:
- Initiate the Extension: Keeping your upper arms still, extend your elbows to push the dumbbell upwards until your arms are 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 hands 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 fairly close to your head to emphasize triceps engagement.
Common mistakes: Allowing the elbows to flare out to the sides and not achieving a full stretch at the bottom of the rep.
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