TIME TO TALK TRICEPS

ryan3478
1 hour ago
1 min read

Triceps are probably my favorite bodypart to train and I think they don’t get enough attention.

It’s important because it makes up about 75% of the upper arm size, is a key aspect of pressing movements and functionally, a very important muscle.

Man in a gym doing tricep dips on parallel bars, focused expression. Dumbbells in foreground, gym equipment in background.

FUNCTION: The triceps are composed of three smaller muscles (long head, lateral head and medial head). The function of the tricep is extension (straightening of the elbow). When someone does a front bicep shot, it’s the long head that is visually seen. The side tricep shot, the lateral head gets the attention. Training both are important.

FAVORITE EXERCISES: For the long head: Skullcrushers, overhead DB extension, overhead cable extension. For the lateral head: cable tricep pushdowns, dips, tricep kickbacks. Special mention: Close grip bench with chains.

TIPS AND TRICKS: Similar to biceps, you need to use both angles of the arm to effectively hit triceps. Also need to be careful to not let pecs take over. Warm up good on these (esp the long tricep exercises) as these exercises can put stress on the elbow.

Triceps get overlooked and are a majority of arm development. Training them not only gets the most out of your upper arm, but also can prevent injury.