How to do a Tricep Extension

What is a tricep extension?

Whenever you push, pull, bend or straighten your arms, you're using your tricep muscles. Located at the back of your arms, the tricep muscles start at your shoulders and end at your elbows and contain three heads that are responsible for keeping your upper arms active.

Strengthening your tricep muscles won't just make it easier to perform everyday tasks, you'll also benefit from increased strength, flexibility and circulation.

The location of the tricep muscles means that as your triceps grow in strength you will also notice an improvement in the strength and stability of your chest, back and shoulders

Plus, because the tricep muscles make up a massive two-thirds of your arms, if your goal is bigger arms than tricep extensions are a must.

As an isolation exercise, the tricep extension targets your tricep muscles by repetitively flexing the elbow joint against resistance. To give your triceps a workout try out the exercises below.

If you're a beginner start with the overhead tricep extensions, before moving on to the skull crushers - which aren't as scary as they sound!

Tricep extension tips

Try to keep your elbows as still as possible throughout the exercises to ensure you're isolating your tricep muscle
To get the most from each extension, hold the position for a beat when your arms are fully extended.
Be aware that shoulder presses also work your tricep muscles so be careful not to overload your triceps with back-to-back exercises

Tricep extension variations

how to do Overhead tricep extensions

Level: Beginners to Advanced

Equipment: Set of dumbbells

With feet shoulder-width apart and core tight, hold a dumbbell with both hands
Lift the dumbbell until your arms are fully extended with palms facing the roof and elbows pointing forward. This is the start position
Bending at the elbows and squeezing your triceps, slowly lower the dumbbell behind your head
Slowly return to start position and repeat

How to do Skull crushers

Level: Intermediate to Advanced

Equipment: Set of dumbbells (or a weighted barbell)

Lie flat on the bench with a dumbbell in each hand (or a weighted barbell with both hands). Make sure you head is near the edge of the bench.
Carefully extend your arms so the weight is above your head.
Bending at the elbows slowly lower the dumbbells towards your shoulders and pause
The return to start position and repeat.

If you’re not sure if any of the above exercises are suitable for you, please consult your doctor before you start it. Need guidance on how to perform the exercise? Ask a personal trainer at your gym.