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Exercise guide

Machine Triceps Extension

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

IsolationMachineBeginnerPush
Primary muscles

Triceps

Secondary

,

Equipment

Machine

Step by step

How to do the Machine Triceps Extension

  1. 1

    Adjust the seat to the appropriate height and make your weight selection. Place your upper arms against the pads and grasp the handles. This will be your starting position.

  2. 2

    Perform the movement by extending the elbow, pulling your lower arm away from your upper arm.

  3. 3

    Pause at the completion of the movement, and then slowly return the weight to the starting position.

  4. 4

    Avoid returning the weight all the way to the stops until the set is complete to keep tension on the muscles being worked.

In Ascend

Log it, see it on your body.

Every Machine 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

Machine Triceps Extension: common questions

What muscles does the Machine Triceps Extension work?

The Machine Triceps Extension primarily works the Triceps.

Is the Machine Triceps Extension suitable for beginners?

Yes. The Machine Triceps Extension is a beginner-level exercise, so it's a solid choice if you're new to training. Start light and focus on the movement pattern before adding load.

What equipment do I need for the Machine Triceps Extension?

To do the Machine Triceps Extension you'll need a weight machine.

Is the Machine Triceps Extension a compound or isolation exercise?

The Machine 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 Machine Triceps Extension with correct form?

Adjust the seat to the appropriate height and make your weight selection. Place your upper arms against the pads and grasp the handles. This will be your starting position. Follow the full step-by-step above for the complete movement.

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