Triceps Extensions with a dumbbell
Tricep extensions with a dumbbell, also known as "Dumbbell Tricep Extensions" or "Overhead Tricep Extensions," are an effective exercise for targeting the triceps. This exercise isolates the tricep muscle and allows for precise control of the movement. Using a dumbbell makes the exercise versatile and can be adjusted to suit individual fitness levels. It's ideal for those looking to specifically build their arm muscles.
Common alternative exercises to dumbbell tricep extensions include dips and close-grip push-ups.
Necessary equipment

Triceps Extensions with a dumbbell - the correct execution
- Start in hip-width stance
- Hold a dumbbell with both arms stretched above your head
- Bend elbows and bring dumbbells as low as possible behind head
- Then stretch the arms
- Make sure the upper body is upright and actively keep tension in the torso
- The training weight for this exercise is the weight of a single dumbbell
The exercise Triceps Extensions is intended to be used as a hypertrophy exercise.
Which muscles are trained by Triceps Extensions?
Primary trained muscles for Triceps Extensions
Triceps - The triceps brachii muscle is located at the back of your upper arm. It extends your arm at the elbow and also helps move the arm backward.
Alternative variants of Triceps Extensions with a dumbbell:
Triceps Extensions with gym rings
Tricep extensions on gymnastics rings offer a more challenging variation, as they target the triceps and significantly enhance stability and core tension. Compared to the dumbbell version, the unstable rings additionally engage the shoulders and core, making the exercise more technically demanding and requiring greater body control.
Necessary equipment
Triceps Extensions with gym rings - the correct execution
- Hold the rings with extended arms
- Bend the elbows in front of the body
- Body is in a straight line
- Elbows do not move outward
- Extend arms again
Similar exercises to Triceps Extensions
Single Arm Triceps Extensions with a dumbbell
One-arm dumbbell triceps extensions are an exercise to strengthen the triceps. In this exercise, you hold a dumbbell in one hand and extend your arm above your head. By lowering and raising the dumbbell, the triceps are specifically targeted. This exercise is ideal for isolating and training the triceps.
A similar exercise without dumbbells is the triceps extensions with gymnastic rings.
Lying Triceps Extensions with dumbbells
Lying triceps extensions are an isolation exercise that specifically strengthens the triceps, focusing on the bending and extending of the elbows. Compared to standing dumbbell triceps extensions, the lying variation offers a more stable position, reducing strain on the lower back while effectively targeting the triceps.
Triceps Extensions with gym rings
Triceps Extensions on the rings focus on building muscle in the triceps and are an excellent preparation for more advanced exercises like Ring Push-ups or Ring Dips. In this exercise, you start in an inclined plank position with your arms extended while gripping the rings. By bending your elbows in a controlled manner, you lower your body forward and then return to the starting position with a powerful extension of the arms.
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