Home / Weight Training Exercise Database / Dumbbell Triceps Extensions

Dumbbell Triceps Extensions
Exercise Form and Techniques
Pictures and Video

Dumbbell Triceps extension - Bottom of exercise
Dumbbell triceps Extension - Top of exercise
(Bottom)
(Top)
Primary Movers

Triceps

Muscles Used in Dumbbell triceps extensions
Secondary Movers

None

Other Muscles Involved

Delts (F)
Pecs

See all the exercises at the:
Weight Training Exercises Database

 

- Dumbbell Triceps Extensions -
AKA: Seated Overhead Dumbbell Triceps Extensions

Exercise Type: Isolated Exercise

Instruction: Seated, grip a dumbbell above the head with both hands under the top plate. Lower back to full extension, until the forearms hit the biceps, and raise back up.

Tips and Techniques: Keep back straight and rest of body as motionless as possible. Keep neck still. Only the forearms are moving. Keep elbows stationary and pointed forward. Do not the elbows flail back and forth during the exercise. At the bottom of the exercise, elbows should be pointing directly up which ensures the greatest resistance.

Trainer doing Dumbbell Triceps extensions and demonstrating dumbbell gripWith the grip for the single dumbbell method, you want to have the hands form a triangle around the dumbbells shaft as pictured to the right.

Dumbbell triceps extensions can be done with 2 dumbbells where you hold the dumbbells on the shaft (One-Arm Dumbbell Triceps Extensions). You can alternate arms when doing this or do both at the same time. The angle of the arms to the body can go to where it is most comfortable for you.

The exercise can also be done standing.

Recommended Reps for Muscle Building: 6-12 the majority of the time, trying higher or lower reps on occasion.

Common Variations:

  • One-Arm Dumbbell Triceps Extensions - (see above)
  • Standing Dumbbell Triceps Extension - Same exercise but standing
  • Seated Barbell Triceps Extension - Same basic motion with a barbell (typically and EZ-Curl Bar).
  • Skull Crushers (Lying Triceps Extensions)
  • Machine-Based Triceps Extensions - Cable machines can provide the same motion. There is also a lever based extension where the machine moves out in front of you as opposed to overhead.

Substitutions:Your best substitution would be Skull Crushers. Bench Dips and Close-Grip Bench Presses are excellent compound exercises that develop the triceps.

Bodybuilding Equipment: Dumbbells, Workout Bench

Selected
Seated Overhead Dumbbell
Triceps Extensions
Videos:

http://www.exrx.net/WeightExercises/Triceps/DBTriExt.html
(Opens in New Window)

See all the exercises at:
Weight Training Exercises Database

 

Related Articles

All The Weight Lifting Articles

Weight Training Programs Weight Training Programs To Build Muscle
Summarizes all the important parts to designing a weight training program to gain muscle mass.
Modeling for Muscle Gain Modeling Your Way To Major Muscle Gain
Easily the best but most often ignored approach to successful self-improvement.
Sample Bodybuilding Routines Sample Bodybuilding Routines
Sample routines, from pre-program routines to single set routines to more advanced routines.
Workout Routines Methods Workout Routines Methods
Various muscle building methods of workout routines from single-sets to pyramid sets and more.
Bodybuilding Tips Checklist Bodybuilding Tips Checklist
A checklist of 21 bodybuilding tips to get you doing as much right as possible to get the best results.
Weight Training Terminology

Weight Training Terminology
The terms and lingo of the weight training world defined as used on this site.

Muscle Building Program Reviews All The Top
Muscle Building
Programs Reviewed
Bodybuilding Supplement Guide Proven Effective
Bodybuilding
Supplement Guide

 

Muscle Building Gurus
The Gurus of
Muscle Building

Sean Nalewanyj
Vince Delmonte
Jason Ferruggia
Will Brink
Jeff Anderson
Tom Venuto
All The Guide's Contributers

 

 

FREE
Bodybuilding Ebooks

The very best in free ebooks and downloads to help you train, diet and track for maximum muscle building results.

 

 

 

 
This site is solely for informational and educational purposes. It is not intended as medical advice.
Consult a physician before beginning any new exercise, nutrition or supplementation program...
Full Disclaimer