6 Top Exercises for Stronger Triceps
To achieve well-rounded and toned arms, it is essential to target the triceps muscles, as they make up the majority of the upper arm. By incorporating the following exercises into your workout routine, you can strengthen and sculpt your triceps for greater strength and definition.
1. Tricep Dips
Tricep dips are a classic exercise that effectively targets the triceps. To perform this exercise:
- Position your hands shoulder-width apart on a stable bench or chair.
- Extend your legs and lower your body until your elbows are at a 90-degree angle.
- Push back up to the starting position, emphasizing the contraction in your triceps.
2. Close-Grip Bench Press
The close-grip bench press focuses on the triceps while also engaging the chest and shoulders. Here’s how to do it:
- Lie on a flat bench and grip the barbell with your hands placed closer than shoulder-width apart.
- Lower the barbell to your mid-chest while keeping your elbows tucked in.
- Extend your arms, pushing the barbell back up to the starting position.
3. Tricep Pushdowns
Tricep pushdowns are a popular exercise that isolates and targets the triceps. Follow these steps:
- Attach a rope or straight bar to a high pulley on a cable machine.
- Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your core engaged.
- Grip the attachment and push it down towards your thighs while keeping your upper arms stationary.
- Return to the starting position by slowly allowing your forearms to go back up.
4. Diamond Push-Ups
Diamond push-ups place extra emphasis on the triceps by narrowing your hand placement. Here’s how to do them:
- Get into a push-up position and place your hands close together directly under your sternum.
- Lower your body while keeping your elbows close to your sides and forming a diamond shape with your hands.
- Push yourself back up to the starting position, focusing on the contraction in your triceps.
5. Overhead Tricep Extension
The overhead tricep extension is an effective exercise that isolates the triceps. Follow these steps:
- Stand or sit on a bench with a dumbbell in one hand.
- Extend your arm overhead, keeping your upper arm close to your head.
- Lower the dumbbell behind your head, bending at the elbow.
- Extend your arm back up to the starting position, focusing on the contraction in your triceps.
6. Tricep Kickbacks
Tricep kickbacks are a great exercise for targeting the back of the upper arm. Here’s how to perform them:
- Hold a dumbbell in each hand and hinge forward at the hips, keeping your back straight.
- Bend your elbows to a 90-degree angle and extend your arms straight back, squeezing your triceps at the top of the movement.
- Return to the starting position and repeat for the desired number of repetitions.
Remember, when performing these exercises, it’s essential to use proper form and start with lighter weights before gradually increasing the resistance. Additionally, allow your triceps sufficient rest and recovery time between workouts to prevent overuse injuries. Incorporate these exercises into your fitness routine regularly, and you’ll be on your way to stronger and more defined triceps!
Do you want to develop stronger, more toned triceps? Our arms often appear more defined or toned if our triceps are worked out correctly. Triceps are one of the most important muscles in our arms, and strengthening them can be key to building a more aesthetically pleasing body. Fortunately, this isn’t difficult, as the following six exercises are some of the best exercises out there for stronger triceps.
1. Tricep Dips
Tricep dips are quite straightforward and can be done using either a bench or a chair. Start with your hands firmly gripping the edge and feet placed flat on the floor. Then, Slowly bend your elbows to lower your body until your arms are at a 90-degree angle. Return to the starting position while maintaining control. A set of 12 to 15 repetitions is recommended.
2. Floor Triceps Push-Ups
Floor triceps push-ups are a great starting exercise for anyone building up their triceps. Begin in a plank position on the floor. Lower your chest until it almost touches the floor while keeping your elbows close to your body. Push up from the floor and return to the starting position. Try doing a set of 10 repetitions.
3. Overhead Extensions
This exercise can be done with either dumbbells or a resistance band. To start, hold your chosen equipment above your head with your elbows bent and your hands pointing up towards the ceiling. Extend your arms as far as you can without locking your elbows. Then, slowly return to the starting position. A set of 12 to 15 repetitions is recommended.
4. Close Grip Bench Press
The close grip bench press is another good exercise for strengthening the triceps. Lay down the flat bench and take hold of the barbell using an overhand grip that is a bit narrower than shoulder width. Slowly, lower the weight down towards your mid-chest line while keeping your elbows close to your torso. Push the weight up, return to the starting position, and repeat.
5. Single-Arm Overhead Extensions
This exercise is similar to overhead extension but can be done with either one arm or one dumbbell. To start, raise one arm with a dumbbell or resistance band straight above your head. With your elbow bent, lower the weight towards the back of your neck and then raise it back to the starting position. Repeat the same procedure with the opposite arm. This exercise should be done gradually and with control.
6. Tricep Kickbacks
Tricep kickbacks are the last exercise recommended for stronger triceps. To start, hold a dumbbell in one hand and bend your knees slightly. Bend your torso forward, keep your back straight, and extend your arm, moving the weight backward. Return your arm to the original position and repeat the same motion with the other arm. A set of 10 to 12 repetitions with each arm is recommended.
These exercises are not only beneficial for toning and strengthening your triceps but can improve your overall upper body strength. When combined correctly, they can be a great asset to any strength training routine. As always, make sure to perform all exercises under the guidance of a qualified fitness professional.