Back to Library

Exercise Guide

How to do kneeling triceps extension

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

The kneeling triceps extension is an effective isolation exercise that targets the triceps while minimizing the use of momentum from the legs. By kneeling, you lower your center of gravity and place more emphasis on core stability and strict arm movement. This exercise can be performed with cables or weights to build significant overhead triceps strength and enhance the back of the arms.

Stats

DIFFICULTY
Untrained to Advanced
EQUIPMENT
None
TARGET MUSCLES
Triceps

Instructions for Proper Form

Setup:

  1. Position: Kneel on the floor or a mat.
  2. Grip: Hold one dumbbell vertically with both hands, cupping the top end. You can also use a weight plate.
  3. Starting Position: Raise the weight directly overhead with your arms fully extended.

The Movement:

  1. Lowering: Keeping your upper arms stationary and close to your head, slowly lower the weight behind your head by bending at the elbows.
  2. Lifting: Pause briefly when you feel a good stretch, then extend your elbows to press the weight back up to the starting position. Squeeze your triceps at the top.

Tips:

  • Keep your core engaged to prevent your back from arching.
  • Try to keep your elbows pointing forward and not flaring out to the sides.
  • The kneeling position helps to reduce the ability to cheat by using body momentum.

Common mistakes: Moving the elbows forward and back, arching the spine, and not controlling the eccentric phase.

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