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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:
- Support: Place one hand and the same side knee on a bench for support. Your torso should be roughly parallel to the floor.
- Dumbbell Grip: Grasp a dumbbell in your free hand with an overhand grip, and let it hang.
- Upper Arm Position: Keep your upper arm parallel to your torso and close to your body.
The Lift:
- Initiate the Extension: Engage your triceps and extend your elbow to push the dumbbell backwards until your arm is fully extended behind you.
- Squeeze at the Top: Briefly squeeze your triceps at the top of the movement.
- Controlled Return: Slowly return the dumbbell to the starting position in a controlled manner, resisting the weight's pull.
- 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