Mastering Triceps Kickbacks: Step-by-Step Video Guide

When it comes to building bigger arms, the biceps get most of the attention. But the triceps comprise two-thirds of the mass of the upper arm. So whether you want stronger arms or to look better in sleeveless shirts, you need to pay more attention to your tris. And the triceps kickbacks are an excellent way to do that, because they hit every part of the muscle.

“The triceps muscle has three heads — the long, lateral, and medial,” explains Trevor Thieme, C.S.C.S. “Most triceps exercises tend to favor one or two of the heads, but the kickback hammers all three, making it highly effective for developing that muscle and sculpting the classic horseshoe shape.”

 

Triceps Kickbacks: Step-by-Step Instructions

Appears in: P90X >> Shoulders and Arms

  • Stand holding a pair of dumbbells in front of your shoulders (palms facing inward) with your elbows bent and at your sides.
  • Step one foot back, and bend your knees slightly. Hinge forward at your hips so that your chest is almost parallel to the floor. This is the starting position.
  • Keeping your back flat, core engaged, and upper arms firmly at your sides, straighten your elbows, pushing the weights back as you fully extend your forearms behind you.
  • Bring the dumbbells back to the starting position, and repeat. Alternate your forward leg with each set.

 

How to Make the Triceps Kickback Easier

Besides using a lighter weight, you can do a supported triceps kickback one arm at a time. Place your knee and corresponding hand on a bench, and perform the move with your other arm, maintaining the same form described above.

See Also:  How to Perform the Dumbbell Pullover Exercise and Its Benefits

 

How to Make the Triceps Kickback Harder

Increasing the weight as much as possible without compromising form is the most obvious way to intensify the triceps kickback. An additional option would be to hold the top of the arm extension for a count or two before returning to the starting position.

 

Bonus Tips for Doing the Triceps Kickback

Be sure to keep your core engaged and your back flat as you perform the exercise. You shouldn’t feel any strain in your lower back, and there shouldn’t be any extraneous movement. The only parts of your body that should move are your forearms.

 

Benefits of the Triceps Kickback

Whether you choose to do the triceps dumbbell kickback or cable tricep kickbacks, this exercise allows you to work each arm independently, promoting greater muscular balance by preventing either arm from doing a larger share of the work.

 

What Muscles Does the Triceps Kickback Work?

triceps anatomy | arm muscles

The triceps kickback primarily targets the triceps brachii. Located on the back of each of your upper arms, the muscle’s three heads run from the shoulder blade and upper humerus to your forearm. In concert, they work to extend your elbow and help extend your shoulder.

Lesa O'Leary
Lesa O'Leary

Lesa is a dynamic member of OzHelp’s Service Delivery Team as the Service Delivery Team Leader and Nurse. She has been with OzHelp for five years and believes in leading by example. Lesa has experience in the not-for-profit sector, as well as many roles throughout different industries and sectors, including as a contractor to the Department of Defence. She has expertise in delivering OzHelp’s health and wellbeing programs and engaging with clients in a relaxed and comfortable manner that aligns with the organisation’s vision and objectives.

Lesa has a Certificate 4 in Nursing from Wodonga Tafe, Certificate 4 in Mental Health from Open Colleges, and is currently undertaking a Certificate 4 in Training and Assessment from Tafe NSW. For the past few months Lesa has been an Education and Memberships committee member of the ACT Branch of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC).