Triceps · Barbell

Standing Overhead Barbell Triceps Extension

An isolation movement that trains your triceps, done with a barbell. Your shoulders help out.

Standing Overhead Barbell Triceps Extension, starting positionStanding Overhead Barbell Triceps Extension, end position

Muscles you'll work

Standing Overhead Barbell Triceps Extension muscles worked, front viewStanding Overhead Barbell Triceps Extension muscles worked, back view
TricepsPrimaryShouldersSecondary

How to do it

  1. To begin, stand up holding a barbell or e-z bar using a pronated grip (palms facing forward) with your hands closer than shoulder width apart from each other. Your feet should be about shoulder width apart.
  2. Now elevate the barbell above your head until your arms are fully extended. Keep your elbows in. This will be your starting position.
  3. Keeping your upper arms close to your head and elbows in, perpendicular to the floor, lower the resistance in a semicircular motion behind your head until your forearms touch your biceps. Tip: The upper arms should remain stationary and only the forearms should move. Breathe in as you perform this step.
  4. Go back to the starting position by using the triceps to raise the barbell. Breathe out as you perform this step.
  5. Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

More triceps exercises

Incline Barbell Triceps ExtensionClose-Grip Barbell Bench PressFloor PressJM Press
EquipmentBarbell
TypeIsolation
Push or pullPush
LevelBeginner

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