Overhead Tricep Extension
The overhead tricep extension is an isolation exercise that primarily trains the long head of the triceps, with the shoulders assisting. Equipment: dumbbells and cables. Suited to beginner lifters.
- Primary muscles
- Long Head Of The Triceps
- Secondary muscles
- shoulders
- Muscle group
- arms
- Equipment
- dumbbells and cables
- Movement pattern
- Isolation
- Difficulty
- Beginner
- Also searched as
- overhead triceps extension, overhead tricep extensions, dumbbell overhead tricep extension
Complete overhead tricep extension guides
- Proper formOverhead Tricep Extension: Proper Form, Step by StepDefinitive, safety-first guide to overhead tricep extension proper form: setup, execution cues, breathing, tempo, common mistakes and fixes.
- Muscles workedOverhead Triceps Extension: Muscles Worked and the Best AlternativesLearn which muscles the overhead triceps extension trains, where it fits in a program, and 4 practical alternatives with when to pick each.
- Sets and repsHow Many Sets and Reps for the Overhead Tricep Extension?Clear, evidence-aware set, rep, and frequency ranges for the overhead tricep extension by goal; how to progress week-to-week and when to add weight or reps.
- Common mistakesThe Most Common Overhead Tricep Extension Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)Fix the 6 most common overhead tricep extension mistakes—elbow flare, heavy loads, lumbar arch, short ROM, moving the arm, and bent wrists—with clear corrective cues.
- At-home alternativesOverhead Tricep Extension Alternatives at Home (Minimal Equipment)Practical, evidence-aware at-home alternatives to the overhead tricep extension using bodyweight, dumbbells, or bands. What each preserves, what it loses, and when to return to a gym.
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