FastFit BETA
AdvancedStrength
Drag to rotate 360°
Speed for this exercise

Bodyweight Triceps Extension

Try it now
3sets
6-10reps
90srest
~4.9kcal/min

How to do it

Muscles worked

Primary
TricepsB Triceps
Secondary
AbsShoulders

Secondary muscles help but are not the main target

See the full tier list · Triceps

Feel it right

Where you should feel it, the one cue to remember, and quick fixes when you feel it somewhere else.

You should feel it inBack of arms

Back of the upper arm, especially near the armpit.

Key cue (the coach says it during the set)“Elbows still, only the forearms move, lock out and squeeze.”

Tempo · Bend 2 s · extend 1 s · squeeze 1

Choosing the load: Too easy? Slow down or pause at the hardest point. Too hard? Use an easier version (knees, incline, band).

Feel it somewhere else? Fix it like this

  • Feel it in ShouldersElbows flaring or moving. Point them forward (overhead) or pin them to your sides (pushdown / bench dip).
  • Feel it in ElbowsElbow ache. Use a rope or EZ bar, warm up with light sets, and do not bounce at the bottom.
  • Feel it in ChestChest taking over (bench dips / close presses). Keep the torso upright and elbows close.
  • Barely felt itToo light or too fast. Lower for 3 seconds, pause 1 second at the stretch, and pick a load that leaves only 1–2 reps in the tank.
  • Joint painSharp or joint pain is a stop sign: end this set, lower the weight, shorten the range — if it repeats, switch to an easier variation.

During a workout we ask after the first set where you felt it and give the fix right away — and remember it for next time.

Tips

  • Set a Smith machine bar around hip height and lower it over time to raise the challenge.
  • The more horizontal your body, the harder it gets — progress gradually.
  • Keep your glutes and abs tight so your hips don't sag.

Common mistakes

  • Letting the elbows flare out so the chest and shoulders take over.
  • Bending at the hips instead of keeping a straight body line.

Breathing

Inhale as you lower, exhale as you press back up.

Recommended by goal

Build muscle3–4 sets × 8–12 reps · rest 60–90 s
Strength4–5 sets × 4–6 reps · rest 2–3 min
Endurance2–3 sets × 15–20 reps · rest 30–45 s

Variations of this move

Alternatives for the same muscle