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Exercise Guide
How to do machine triceps extension
Master the setup, range of motion, and tempo for safer, more effective reps.
The machine triceps extension is an isolation exercise designed to strengthen the triceps on the back of the upper arm. Using a machine provides constant tension throughout the entire range of motion, which is ideal for muscle growth. It allows for controlled movement and easy weight adjustments. This exercise is perfect for finishing a workout and achieving a significant pump in the triceps safely.
Stats
TIER
2
DIFFICULTY
Untrained to Advanced
EQUIPMENT
Triceps Extension Machine
TARGET MUSCLES
Triceps
Instructions for Proper Form
Setup:
- Seat Adjustment: Sit on the machine and adjust the seat height so your back is comfortably against the backrest and your shoulders are level with the handles.
- Weight Selection: Choose a weight that is challenging but allows you to maintain proper form throughout the full range of motion.
- Grip: Grasp the handles with a neutral grip (palms facing each other), overhand grip (palms facing down), or underhand grip (palms facing up), depending on the machine and your preference.
- Body Position: Keep your chest up, shoulders back and down, and core engaged.
The Lift:
- Extend Arms: Exhale and press the handles down by extending your elbows. Focus on squeezing your triceps muscles.
- Full Extension: Continue extending until your arms are straight, but avoid locking out your elbows.
- Controlled Return: Inhale and slowly return the handles back to the starting position, resisting the weight as it comes up.
Tips:
- Focus on the Triceps: Concentrate on using your triceps to push the weight.
- Elbow Position: Keep your elbows close to your sides throughout the entire movement.
- Torso Stability: Maintain a stable torso and avoid leaning or rocking back and forth.
- Smooth Movement: Avoid jerking or bouncing the weight. The movement should be smooth and controlled.
Common mistakes: Allowing elbows to flare out and using momentum rather than controlled extension.
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