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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:

  1. 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.
  2. Weight Selection: Choose a weight that is challenging but allows you to maintain proper form throughout the full range of motion.
  3. 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.
  4. Body Position: Keep your chest up, shoulders back and down, and core engaged.

The Lift:

  1. Extend Arms: Exhale and press the handles down by extending your elbows. Focus on squeezing your triceps muscles.
  2. Full Extension: Continue extending until your arms are straight, but avoid locking out your elbows.
  3. 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