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Exercise guide

Standing Overhead Barbell Triceps Extension

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

IsolationBarbellBeginnerPush
Primary muscles

Triceps

Secondary

Shoulders

Equipment

Barbell

Step by step

How to do the Standing Overhead Barbell Triceps Extension

  1. 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. 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. 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. 4

    Go back to the starting position by using the triceps to raise the barbell. Breathe out as you perform this step.

  5. 5

    Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

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Every Standing Overhead 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

Standing Overhead Barbell Triceps Extension: common questions

What muscles does the Standing Overhead Barbell Triceps Extension work?

The Standing Overhead Barbell Triceps Extension primarily works the Triceps. It also recruits the Shoulders as supporting muscles.

Is the Standing Overhead Barbell Triceps Extension suitable for beginners?

Yes. The Standing Overhead Barbell 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 Standing Overhead Barbell Triceps Extension?

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

Is the Standing Overhead Barbell Triceps Extension a compound or isolation exercise?

The Standing Overhead 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 Standing Overhead Barbell Triceps Extension with correct form?

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. Follow the full step-by-step above for the complete movement.

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