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Exercise Guide

How to do dumbbell triceps kickback

Master the setup, range of motion, and tempo for safer, more effective reps.

The dumbbell triceps kickback is a classic isolation move aimed at strengthening and toning the back of the arms. By extending the elbow while keeping the upper arm parallel to the floor, you achieve a strong peak contraction in the triceps. This exercise is highly effective for building muscle endurance and definition in the upper arms with controlled movements.

Stats

TIER
2
DIFFICULTY
Untrained to Advanced
EQUIPMENT
Bench, Dumbbell
TARGET MUSCLES
Triceps

Instructions for Proper Form

Setup:

  1. Support: Place one hand and the same side knee on a bench for support. Your torso should be roughly parallel to the floor.
  2. Dumbbell Grip: Grasp a dumbbell in your free hand with an overhand grip, and let it hang.
  3. Upper Arm Position: Keep your upper arm parallel to your torso and close to your body.

The Lift:

  1. Initiate the Extension: Engage your triceps and extend your elbow to push the dumbbell backwards until your arm is fully extended behind you.
  2. Squeeze at the Top: Briefly squeeze your triceps at the top of the movement.
  3. Controlled Return: Slowly return the dumbbell to the starting position in a controlled manner, resisting the weight's pull.
  4. Repeat: Perform the desired number of repetitions, then switch arms.

Tips:

  • Focus on Your Triceps: Concentrate on using your triceps to move the weight, not momentum.
  • Stationary Upper Arm: Keep your upper arm still and focus on extending your forearm backwards for optimal triceps isolation.
  • Hinging movement: Think of this exercise as a hinging movement at your elbow rather than swinging the weight.

Variations

  • Two-arm dumbbell kickback: Perform the kickback with both arms simultaneously.

Common mistakes: Allowing the elbow to drop, swinging the weight, and rounding the shoulders forward.

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