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Best Beginner Triceps Workouts With Dumbbells

About

This workout is designed for individuals with less than one year of training experience and focuses on effectively developing the triceps muscles.

Dumbbells are utilized due to their versatility and ability to isolate each hand, supporting balanced muscle engagement.

Triceps, located on the back of the arm, are critical for elbow extension and commonly targeted through exercises such as extensions and presses.

Each movement in the workout employs manageable weights to ensure safety and proper form, catering to beginners while providing a challenging and effective routine.

Individual capabilities may vary, so adjust intensity levels based on personal fitness levels and goals.

The 5 Best Beginner Triceps Exercises with Dumbbells

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Ranked based on Fitbod's internal data set of the most effective exercises. Learn More

  • 1. Dumbbell Kickbacks

    Dumbbell Kickbacks demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    4,145,130
    Triceps Strength
    96 mScore
    Triceps
    Photo of Dumbbells
    Dumbbells

    Dumbbell Kickbacks are a great exercise for beginners to strengthen the triceps. Using dumbbells helps ensure you work each arm evenly. This exercise can also be adjusted for more challenge as you progress.

    How to do it

    1. Stand with feet hip-width apart and knees slightly bent.
    2. Hold a dumbbell in each hand and hinge forward at your hips until your torso is at a 45-degree angle, keeping your back straight.
    3. Bend your elbows and position your arms behind you, so dumbbells are under your elbows.
    4. Push the dumbbells back by straightening your arms, squeezing your triceps at the end of the movement.
    5. Pause briefly, then slowly return to the starting position while keeping tension in your triceps.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    15lbs
    2
    8reps
    15lbs
    3
    8reps
    15lbs
  • 2. Dumbbell Skullcrusher

    Dumbbell Skullcrusher demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    5,879,914
    Triceps Strength
    98 mScore
    Triceps
    Photo of Dumbbells
    Dumbbells
    Photo of Flat Bench
    Flat Bench

    The Dumbbell Skullcrusher is a great exercise for strengthening your triceps. Using dumbbells helps ensure both arms work equally and adds a challenge to your stability.

    How to do it

    1. Lie on your back on a bench with your shoulder blades squeezed together and feet flat on the floor.
    2. Ensure the bench supports your head, shoulders, and hips.
    3. Hold dumbbells above your shoulders with palms facing each other and elbows slightly bent.
    4. Engage your core and lower the dumbbells behind your head by bending your elbows, keeping your upper arms stable.
    5. When the dumbbells are just above your forehead, exhale and lift them back to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    17.5lbs
    2
    8reps
    17.5lbs
    3
    8reps
    17.5lbs
  • 3. Seated Tricep Press

    Seated Tricep Press demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    4,537,026
    Triceps Strength
    98 mScore
    Triceps
    Photo of Dumbbells
    Dumbbells

    The Seated Tricep Press is an exercise that strengthens your triceps by using a dumbbell. It helps improve your range of motion by pressing the weight overhead, adding variety to your workouts.

    How to do it

    1. Sit upright on a bench with your feet shoulder-width apart.
    2. Hold a dumbbell vertically at chest height with palms facing up.
    3. Brace your core and press the dumbbell overhead, keeping elbows forward.
    4. Lower the dumbbell behind your head until your forearms touch your biceps.
    5. Lift the dumbbell back to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    20lbs
    2
    8reps
    20lbs
    3
    8reps
    20lbs
  • 4. Single Arm Dumbbell Tricep Extension

    Single Arm Dumbbell Tricep Extension demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    1,533,118
    Triceps Strength
    93 mScore
    Triceps
    Photo of Dumbbells
    Dumbbells

    The Single Arm Dumbbell Tricep Extension is an exercise that focuses on your triceps using only one arm. This helps improve strength balance between both sides while challenging your stability.

    How to do it

    1. Sit on a bench with a strong core.
    2. Hold a dumbbell in your left hand with your palm facing forward, lifting it over your left shoulder.
    3. Keep your upper arm straight up and bend your elbow to lower the dumbbell behind your head.
    4. Lower until your forearm touches your bicep, then lift it back to the starting position.
    5. Repeat on the opposite side with your right arm.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    17.5lbs
    2
    8reps
    17.5lbs
    3
    8reps
    17.5lbs
  • 5. Standing Dumbbell Tricep Extension

    Standing Dumbbell Tricep Extension demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    231,741
    Triceps Strength
    86 mScore
    Triceps
    Photo of Dumbbells
    Dumbbells

    The Standing Dumbbell Tricep Extension is an exercise that strengthens your triceps while standing, adding a bit of instability to the movement. This variation helps improve overall strength and is great for beginners wanting to enhance their arm strength.

    How to do it

    1. Hold the head of a dumbbell with both hands, palms facing each other.
    2. Stand with feet hip-width apart and slightly bend your knees.
    3. Raise the dumbbell behind your head, with palms facing up.
    4. Engage your core and keep your back straight.
    5. Extend your arms to lift the dumbbell overhead, keeping your wrists straight.
    6. Pause for a moment at the top.
    7. Slowly lower the dumbbell back behind your head, maintaining tension in your triceps.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    17.5lbs
    2
    8reps
    17.5lbs
    3
    8reps
    17.5lbs

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