Clicky

HomeExercise LibraryHow To: Dumbbell One-Arm Triceps Extension

How To: Dumbbell One-Arm Triceps Extension

Dumbbell One-Arm Triceps Extension
The dumbbell one-arm triceps extension requires a single dumbbell and is a deceivingly effective exercise to add some serious size and strength to your triceps.
Be extremely careful with form on this overhead extension as constant flaring of the elbows as a result of attempting to lift too heavy will place your shoulders in a compromised position, increasing your risk of injury (not good!).

I cannot stress form over weight on this extension enough.

Movement: Isolation

Targets: Triceps

Required: Dumbbell

Optional: N/A

Dumbbell One-Arm Triceps Extension Form:

Sit on a bench and hold a dumbbell overhead with your arm extended.

Tuck your elbows in while remaining perpendicular to the ground while you begin to lower the dumbbell behind your head.

At the bottom of the movement flex your triceps to drive the dumbbell back up until your arm is fully extended.

Repeat for the desired number of repetitions before changing arms.

Dumbbell One-Arm Triceps Extension Variations

Cable Overhead Extension

Instead of utilizing a dumbbell for your overhead extension opt to use the cable machine on the lowest possible pulley setting.
The rope and the straight bar attachment are both suitable for use with the cable overhead extension.

Dumbbell Overhead Triceps Extension

Grasp a single heavy dumbbell with both hands wrapped around the plate of the dumbbell.
Proceed to lower the single dumbbell behind your head.

See also
How To: Leg Extensions

Here Are The ONLY Pair of Dumbbells I'll Ever Recommend...

Bowflex SelectTech Adjustable Weights

Instead of buying multiple sets of dumbbells or messing around screwing weight plates on and off your dumbbells between sets and exercises the Bowflex adjustable dumbbell makes progressing with your routine and exercise so much easier and efficient.

Adjustable in 2.5lb increments all the way up to 52.5lbs per dumbbell, ideal for the beginner or intermediate gym-goer

You can invest in a pair of these dumbbells that'll last you forever here.

Common Dumbbell One-Arm Triceps Extension Mistakes

Utilizing A Partial Range Of Motion

There's no reason to work in a small range of motion on your overhead extensions, opt to lower the bar ALL the way down behind your head before driving through the triceps until they're locked out at the top of the movement.
Partial range of motion = partial triceps activation.

Flaring Your Elbows Out

When performing any triceps exercise, whether it be a dumbbell overhead triceps extension or a rope pushdown it’s imperative you keep your elbows tucked in by your sides.
Flaring your elbows outwards is often a sign that the weight is too heavy (as you’re trying to muscle the shoulders in to assist with moving the weight).
Flaring the elbows on triceps exercise places your shoulders at a high risk of injury not to mention you’re only going to applying a small amount of tension to the triceps as the shoulders are trying to take over and lift the weight.

See also
How To: Foam Roll Back

If you find yourself constantly flaring your elbows lower the weight and consciously practise tucking your elbows in to your side on each repetition until it becomes natural.

Lifting Too Light

If you don’t generally train in the lower rep range I recommend you give it a try, stop lifting in the 10 – 15 rep range for at least a month and focus on heavy, low rep sets. Once you start to see results you won’t want to go back.

Now, you may still think high reps are beneficial, but let me tell you they’re far from it.

High repetitions result in increased stress on your CNS, increase in localized inflammation and increased soreness.

“Movements or exercises that do not give the muscle the required resistance, but are the kind that involve a great number of repetitions, never break down any tissue, to speak of. These movements involve a forcing process that cause the blood to swell up the muscle, and simply pump them up”– George F. Jowett, 1926

Similar & Substitute Exercises 

  • Decline Barbell Bench press
  • Chest Dips
  • Weighted Decline Push-Ups

Any Questions Regarding The Dumbbell One-Arm Triceps Extension? Ask Below!

Scott J.
Scott J.https://ignorelimits.com
I’m SJ. I’m a fitness enthusiast and published author. I transformed my body from a skinny fat 135lbs with 18% body fat to a solid 192lbs at 8% body fat. I became qualified in a field I was passionate about. I founded several online businesses that allow me to pursue ideas and projects in my life that I am passionate about without having to constantly worry about money. I published several eBooks explaining the training and dieting techniques I used to achieve the body I have today. I learnt a plethora of new information on dieting and fitness by reading and applying what I read, to find out what does work and what doesn’t work, because as I’m sure you’ve noticed the health and fitness industry is full of non-sense claims and BS. I found out what was true and what worked for me and applied that knowledge. And you bet I had fun during the whole process.

Stay in Touch

To follow the best weight loss journeys, success stories and inspirational interviews with the industry's top coaches and specialists. Start changing your life today!

Related Articles