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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:

  1. Seated position: Sit upright on a bench with feet flat on the floor.
  2. Starting Position: Hold a single dumbbell overhead with both hands, palms facing upwards. Your elbows should be close to your head.
  3. Engage Core: Tighten your core for stability.

The Lift:

  1. Initiate the Extension: Keeping your upper arms still, extend your elbows to push the dumbbell upwards until your arms are fully extended.
  2. Squeeze at the Top: Briefly squeeze your triceps at the top of the movement.
  3. Controlled Return: Slowly lower the dumbbell back to the starting position, returning your hands behind your head.
  4. 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