olympic barbell triceps extension: technique and muscles worked

Animated demonstration of olympic barbell triceps extension

How to do this exercise

Step:1 Start by standing with your feet shoulder-width apart and holding the barbell with an overhand grip.
Step:2 Raise the barbell above your head, fully extending your arms.
Step:3 Keeping your upper arms close to your head, slowly lower the barbell behind your head by bending your elbows.
Step:4 Pause for a moment, then extend your arms back to the starting position.
Step:5 Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

Equipment: Barbell Olympic barbell
Body part: Arms Shoulders
Target muscle: Triceps
Secondary muscle: Forearms Anterior deltoid

Hypertrophy grade

Good7 / 10

Nemeo’s take

This exercise places strong tension on the triceps, especially in a stretched position, which promotes hypertrophy. However, the stability of the movement and fatigue at the elbows require a certain technique and limit the maximum possible load. Less stable than the machine: here, the core and grip play a role, but it is a tool of choice to vary from the classic barbell to the forehead while targeting stretching. The exercise remains demanding for the articulation, therefore to be integrated intelligently into the programming.

This catalog score reflects Nemeo’s assessment of the exercise’s muscle-building potential. It is not a standardized scientific rating or a personalized recommendation.

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olympic barbell triceps extension

How to do this exercise

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