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Exercise guide

Incline Barbell Triceps Extension

How to do the Incline Barbell Triceps Extension with correct form, the muscles it works, and where it fits a training plan you actually stick to.

IsolationBarbellIntermediatePush
Primary muscles

Triceps

Secondary

Forearms

Equipment

Barbell

Step by step

How to do the Incline Barbell Triceps Extension

  1. 1

    Hold a barbell with an overhand grip (palms down) that is a little closer together than shoulder width.

  2. 2

    Lie back on an incline bench set at any angle between 45-75-degrees.

  3. 3

    Bring the bar overhead with your arms extended and elbows in. The arms should be in line with the torso above the head. This will be your starting position.

  4. 4

    Now lower the bar in a semicircular motion behind your head until your forearms touch your biceps. Inhale as you perform this movement. Tip: Keep your upper arms stationary and close to your head at all times. Only the forearms should move.

  5. 5

    Return to the starting position as you breathe out and you contract the triceps. Hold the contraction for a second.

  6. 6

    Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

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Every Incline Barbell Triceps Extension set you log feeds Ascend's anatomy heatmap, so your triceps volume is visible at a glance, and counts toward your bodyweight-strength tier.

Related

More triceps exercises

FAQ

Incline Barbell Triceps Extension: common questions

What muscles does the Incline Barbell Triceps Extension work?

The Incline Barbell Triceps Extension primarily works the Triceps. It also recruits the Forearms as supporting muscles.

Is the Incline Barbell Triceps Extension suitable for beginners?

The Incline Barbell Triceps Extension is an intermediate-level exercise. It's best once you've built a base of general strength and movement control, beginners can work up to it.

What equipment do I need for the Incline Barbell Triceps Extension?

To do the Incline Barbell Triceps Extension you'll need a barbell.

Is the Incline Barbell Triceps Extension a compound or isolation exercise?

The Incline Barbell Triceps Extension is an isolation exercise, it targets the triceps through a single joint, which makes it useful for focused, targeted work.

How do I do the Incline Barbell Triceps Extension with correct form?

Hold a barbell with an overhand grip (palms down) that is a little closer together than shoulder width. Follow the full step-by-step above for the complete movement.

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