FITsociety IO
Book a demo

Triceps Exercises: Cables, Dumbbells and More

Explore triceps exercises with cables, dumbbells, barbells, and body weight, plus practical guidance on setup, technique, and training safely.

Triceps exercises train the muscles on the back of the upper arm. This category includes movements using dumbbells, cables, barbells, body weight, and resistance machines.

About triceps exercises

The triceps extend the elbow and assist with pressing movements such as the chest press and overhead press. Common options include cable pushdowns, skull crushers, dips, and overhead triceps extensions. Each exercise places resistance through a different path, so setup, control, and load selection matter.

Practical training guidance

Keep the upper arms relatively steady during isolation work and move smoothly through the elbows. Select a load that allows a controlled, comfortable range of motion rather than forcing the final repetitions. Dips and overhead variations require attention to shoulder and wrist alignment; stop if you feel sharp pain and seek qualified coaching when technique is uncertain.

Side-to-Side Punch

Side-to-Side Punch

The Side-to-Side Punch is a dynamic exercise that trains not only your upper body but also improves your coordination and balance. This exercise combines the benefits of cardio with strength training, making it an excellent choice for a full-body workout. Execution Begin in a standing position w

Shoulders Cardio
Side-to-Side Push-Up

Side-to-Side Push-Up

The Side-to-Side Push-Up is a dynamic variation of the classic push-up that challenges not only your chest muscles but also places additional focus on your shoulders, triceps, and core stability. By moving sideways, you introduce a unique element that forces your body to adapt and stabilize, leading

Chest Strength Training
Simultaneous Dumbbell Hammer Curl

Simultaneous Dumbbell Hammer Curl

The dumbbell hammer curl is an effective exercise for strengthening the biceps and forearm muscles. This variation of the traditional bicep curl emphasizes the brachialis, a muscle that contributes to arm thickness, and the brachioradialis, a forearm muscle. The unique feature of this exercise is th

Biceps Strength Training
Simultaneous Dumbbell Preacher Curl

Simultaneous Dumbbell Preacher Curl

The dumbbell preacher curl, performed with both arms simultaneously, is an effective exercise for isolating and strengthening the biceps. This variation offers a unique combination of stability and focus on the biceps, providing an intense workout with an emphasis on muscle growth and definition. E

Biceps Strength Training
Single-Arm Cable Crossover

Single-Arm Cable Crossover

Introduction: The Single-Arm Cable Crossover is an effective exercise for isolating the chest muscles. Using one arm at a time helps improve muscle balance and focuses on upper-body stability. Execution: Begin by setting the cable machine to a high position. Grip the handle with one hand while faci

Chest Strength Training
Single-Arm Dumbbell Triceps Extension

Single-Arm Dumbbell Triceps Extension

As the name suggests, the main movement is extending the arms (extension). Performing it with dumbbells allows greater freedom in hand position than the barbell version. This version is also (in principle) safer because the weights are lowered beside the head. In this variation, both arms perform th

Triceps Strength Training
Single-Arm Dumbbell Triceps Extension

Single-Arm Dumbbell Triceps Extension

Introduction: The single-arm dumbbell triceps extension is an effective exercise for isolating and strengthening the triceps. This exercise helps you develop strong and defined arms, which is particularly useful for improving your performance in other strength-training exercises and daily activities

Triceps Strength Training
Single-Arm Dumbbell Triceps Kickback

Single-Arm Dumbbell Triceps Kickback

The Single-Arm Dumbbell Triceps Kickback is an effective exercise for strengthening and defining your triceps. This exercise targets the back of your upper arms. Execution Begin by choosing a suitable dumbbell. The weight should be challenging, but you should still be able to perform the full ra

Triceps Strength Training
Single-Arm Dumbbell Wide-Grip Bench Press

Single-Arm Dumbbell Wide-Grip Bench Press

The Single-Arm Dumbbell Wide-Grip Bench Press is a variation of the traditional bench press that focuses on isolating the chest muscles, with particular emphasis on the outer chest. This exercise offers a unique way to address muscle imbalances and improve shoulder stability. Execution Lie on a

Chest Strength Training
Single-Arm Kneeling Landmine Press

Single-Arm Kneeling Landmine Press

The Single-Arm Kneeling Landmine Press is an effective exercise for strengthening your shoulders, arms, and core. This exercise offers a unique way to build stability and strength because you perform it in a kneeling position, which places less stress on your lower back. Execution Place one en

Shoulders Strength Training
Single-Arm Landmine Press

Single-Arm Landmine Press

The landmine press, also called jammer press in some cases, is a ballistic exercise that is best compared with the movement used in shot put. It is a compound exercise in which the whole body must coordinate to perform the task as effectively as possible. It can therefore also be considere

Shoulders Strength Training
Single-Arm Overhead Extension with Resistance Band

Single-Arm Overhead Extension with Resistance Band

Looking for an effective exercise to add to your arm workout that not only strengthens your triceps but also improves your stability and coordination? Try the single-arm overhead extension with a resistance band. This exercise is unique because it requires you to work with one arm at a time, which h

Triceps CrossFit
Single-Leg Decline Push-Up

Single-Leg Decline Push-Up

The push-up is a well-known compound exercise for the upper body and core muscles. Because of the plank position, the muscles in the lower back, glutes, and legs (especially the hamstrings) must work to keep the back and legs aligned. These muscles therefore mainly have a stabilizing function, as th

Chest Strength Training
Skull Crushers

Skull Crushers

Skull crushers are one of the best exercises for building thicker triceps. If you experience wrist pain, perform skull crushers with an EZ bar. Grip the EZ bar with your palms facing away from you. Bring the EZ bar to your chest and lie down. Extend your arms with the EZ bar straight above you. Then

Triceps Strength Training
Smith Behind-Neck Press

Smith Behind-Neck Press

The shoulder press is an exercise that works all three heads of the deltoid (but not to the same extent). This is the deltoid muscle responsible for raising the upper arm. In the behind-the-neck press, the barbell is brought from/to behind the head instead of in front of it. When performed on the Sm

Shoulders Strength Training
Smith Machine Bench Press

Smith Machine Bench Press

The bench press, or 'bench pressing', is one of the most popular exercises in strength training. It is also one of the three powerlifting exercises (alongside the squat and deadlift). It is a compound exercise that engages several large muscle groups. The chest muscles and front deltoids are engaged

Chest Strength Training
Smith Machine Decline Bench Press

Smith Machine Decline Bench Press

The Smith Machine Decline Bench Press is a powerful exercise designed to strengthen your chest muscles. The declined angle of the bench primarily targets the lower parts of your chest muscles, contributing to overall chest development. Execution Set the bench to a declined position under the S

Chest Strength Training
Smith Machine Decline Press

Smith Machine Decline Press

The Smith Machine Decline Press is a powerful exercise that targets the lower part of your chest muscles. The angle of the exercise challenges your muscles in a unique way, which can lead to better definition and strength. Execution Set the bench to a decline position and place it under the Smit

Chest Strength Training
Smith Machine Flat Bench Press

Smith Machine Flat Bench Press

The Smith Machine Flat Bench Press is a powerful exercise for developing your chest muscles. This exercise provides stability and focus on the chest, allowing you to work on muscle growth and strength with precision. Execution Set the bench in the Smith Machine to a flat position. Lie on the b

Chest Strength Training
Smith Machine Incline Bench Press

Smith Machine Incline Bench Press

The bench press, or 'bench pressing', is one of the most popular exercises in strength training. It is also one of the three powerlifting exercises (alongside the squat and deadlift). It is a compound exercise that engages several large muscle groups. The chest muscles and the front of the shoulder

Chest Strength Training
Smith Machine Incline Press

Smith Machine Incline Press

If you are looking for an effective way to train your upper body, the Smith Machine Incline Press is an excellent choice. This exercise combines the benefits of stability with the ability to lift heavy, challenging your chest muscles, shoulders, and triceps in a unique way. Execution Set the ben

Chest Strength Training
Smith Machine Shoulder Press

Smith Machine Shoulder Press

The Smith Machine Shoulder Press is a fantastic exercise for strengthening and shaping your shoulders. The guided movement provides a unique way to train your shoulder muscles safely and effectively. Execution Set the bench in the Smith Machine to an upright or slightly reclined position. Sit

Shoulders Strength Training
Spider-Man Push-Up

Spider-Man Push-Up

The Spider-Man push-up is a dynamic variation of the classic push-up that strengthens not only your upper body but also improves your core strength and flexibility. This exercise simulates the movement of a spider, bringing one knee toward your elbow during each push-up. Execution Begin in a s

Full-body training Strength Training
Squat to Overhead Press

Squat to Overhead Press

The Squat to Overhead Press combines two powerful movements in one fluid exercise. It is an excellent way to engage multiple muscle groups simultaneously while also improving your coordination and balance. Execution Begin with your feet shoulder-width apart and hold a pair of dumbbells at should

Full-body training Strength Training