The Best Triceps Exercises

Top Exercises

Cable Triceps Pushdown

Beginner / Hi-Lo Cable Machine / Triceps / push

A staple triceps movement for building mass in the lateral head. The cable provides a smooth, consistent load for better muscle fiber recruitment.

Cable Triceps Pushdown on Floor

Beginner / Hi-Lo Cable Machine / Triceps / push

A unique triceps isolation performed while seated or lying on the floor, providing a different angle of resistance and maximizing the lockout.

Cable Standing One Arm Triceps Extension

Beginner / Hi-Lo Cable Machine / Triceps / isolation

A unilateral overhead movement that emphasizes the long head of the triceps. It improves shoulder stability and fixes arm symmetry.

Cable Standing High Cross Triceps Extension

Intermediate / Cable Crossover Machine / Triceps / isolation

Targets the triceps from a high-tension, crossed position. It emphasizes the long head and provides a unique contraction angle for the arms.

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 Reverse Grip Triceps Pushdown

Beginner / Hi-Lo Cable Machine / Triceps / push

An isolation movement for the triceps using a supinated grip to maximize the mind-muscle connection with the medial and lateral heads.

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 Kickback

Beginner / Cable Crossover Machine / Triceps / isolation

A targeted isolation exercise for the gluteus maximus. The cable machine allows for a steady, resisted movement that keeps the glute engaged at the peak.

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 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.

Bench Dip

Beginner / Bodyweight-only / Triceps / isolation

A compound pushing exercise for the triceps and chest. It is an effective bodyweight movement that can be performed anywhere with an elevated surface.