Dumbbell Kickback

A classic triceps isolation exercise. It provides a peak contraction at full extension, making it ideal for defining the back of the arm.

Exercise Details

Level: Beginner
Body Area: upper
Type: isolation

Required Equipment

Dumbbells

Target Muscle Groups

Primary

Triceps

Secondary

Back

Setup

Hinge forward at the hips with a flat back. Hold a dumbbell with your elbow tucked into your side, parallel to your torso.

Instructions

1. Extend your arm back until it is perfectly straight.
2. Squeeze the triceps hard at the peak.
3. Slowly return to the starting position (90-degree bend).
4. Keep your shoulder stationary.
5. Avoid swinging.

Common Mistakes

1. Dropping the elbow.
2. Using momentum.
3. Rounding the spine.

Alternative Exercises

Wide Grip Behind the Neck Pulldown

Intermediate / Lat Pulldown Machine / Back / pull

An advanced lat-building variation that isolates the upper back. It requires significant shoulder mobility and emphasizes the outer fibers of the lats.

Wide Grip Behind the Neck Pull-Up

Advanced / Pull-up Bar / Back / pull

Targets the upper back and rear deltoids. Pulling behind the neck requires advanced shoulder mobility and focuses on scapular retraction.

Wide Grip Pull-Up

Intermediate / Pull-up Bar / Back / pull

Emphasizes the outer lats and teres major. This variation is the gold standard for building back width and the classic "V" taper.

Weighted Lying Twist

Intermediate / Stability (Swiss) Ball / Back / core

A rotational core exercise that targets the internal and external obliques. It is essential for developing rotational power and improving lateral spinal stability.

Underhand Pulldown

Beginner / Lat Pulldown Machine / Back / pull

A pulling exercise that increases bicep activation and targets the lower lats. The supinated grip allows for a deeper contraction and greater range of motion.

Twin Handle Parallel Grip Lat Pulldown

Beginner / Cable Crossover Machine / Back / pull

A back exercise using two separate handles to allow for a neutral grip. This variation is shoulder-friendly and builds significant mid-back thickness.