The Best Triceps Exercises

Top Exercises

Cable Pushdown

Beginner / Cable Machine with Rope Attachment / Triceps / push

A staple triceps exercise targeting the lateral head. The cable ensures resistance is maintained throughout the entire range of motion.

Seated Kickback

Beginner / Dumbbells / Triceps / isolation

A triceps isolation movement. The seated position stabilizes the torso, allowing for a strict extension and powerful contraction at the lockout.

Kneeling Triceps Extension

Beginner / Hi-Lo Cable Machine / Triceps / isolation

An isolation exercise for the triceps that reduces the ability to use leg drive or momentum, resulting in higher muscle activation.

EZ Barbell Decline Triceps Extension

Intermediate / EZ Bar / Triceps / isolation

Also known as "Skull Crushers," this version uses a decline angle to increase the range of motion and tension on the triceps.

EZ Barbell Incline Triceps Extension

Intermediate / EZ Bar / Triceps / isolation

An incline variation of the skull crusher that places the triceps under a greater stretch, maximizing muscle fiber recruitment in the long head.

Cable Reverse Grip Pushdown

Beginner / Hi-Lo Cable Machine / Triceps / push

A triceps exercise that shifts the focus to the medial head. The underhand grip promotes a unique contraction and reduces wrist strain for some users.

Cable High Pulley Overhead Triceps Extension

Intermediate / Cable Machine with Rope Attachment / Triceps / pull

A triceps isolation movement that emphasizes the long head by placing the muscle in a stretched position over the head.

Cable Standing One Arm Triceps Pushdown

Beginner / Cable Machine with Rope Attachment / Triceps / push

A unilateral isolation movement that focuses on correcting triceps imbalances and allows for a greater mind-muscle connection.

Cable Overhead Triceps Extension

Beginner / Hi-Lo Cable Machine / Triceps / isolation

A triceps isolation movement that emphasizes the long head by placing it in a stretched position. The cable provides constant tension throughout.

Cable Lying Triceps Extension

Beginner / Seated Cable Row Machine / Triceps / isolation

A focused triceps exercise that provides constant resistance. Lying down prevents the use of momentum and isolates the long head of the triceps.

Cable Incline Triceps Extension

Beginner / Hi-Lo Cable Machine / Triceps / isolation

A triceps isolation movement that emphasizes the long head. The incline angle provides a deep stretch and constant cable tension.

Cable Alternate Triceps Extension

Beginner / Cable Crossover Machine / Triceps / isolation

A cable-based extension that provides constant tension on the triceps. Alternating the movement helps in isolating the lateral and long heads effectively.