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Best Beginner Triceps Workouts With Weight Machines

About

Weight machines are designed to provide stability by guiding specific movement patterns, making them an effective tool for isolating muscle groups.

These beginner-friendly exercises are simple, prioritize safety, and use slightly reduced weights, accommodating individuals with less than a year of training experience.

The triceps, located on the back of the arm, primarily aid in elbow extension and are essential in pressing actions.

Incorporating these exercises into your workout can enhance strength and technique systematically for long-term fitness success.

The 4 Best Beginner Triceps Exercises with Weight Machines

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

  • 1. Machine Tricep Dip

    Machine Tricep Dip demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    1,285,047
    Triceps Strength
    89 mScore
    Triceps
    Photo of Tricep Dip Machine
    Tricep Dip Machine

    Machine Tricep Dips are a beginner-friendly exercise that focuses on strengthening your triceps using a machine. The machine provides stability, making it easier to concentrate on the movement without worrying about balance. This exercise is ideal for building muscle and preparing for bodyweight dips.

    How to do it

    1. Sit upright in the tricep dip machine, pressing your lower back and shoulders against the back pad.
    2. Grab the handles with your palms facing in and elbows bent at 90 degrees.
    3. Keep your elbows close to your body and extend your arms.
    4. Slowly return to the starting position by bending your elbows.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    55lbs
    2
    8reps
    55lbs
    3
    8reps
    55lbs
  • 2. Machine Tricep Extension

    Machine Tricep Extension demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    1,118,041
    Triceps Strength
    95 mScore
    Triceps
    Photo of Triceps Extension Machine
    Triceps Extension Machine

    The Machine Tricep Extension is an exercise that focuses on strengthening your triceps. Using a machine helps stabilize your movement, ensuring that only your triceps are engaged while keeping your elbows steady against the pad.

    How to do it

    1. Sit up straight in the machine with your arms resting on the pads.
    2. Grab the handles with your palms facing in (neutral grip).
    3. Keep your upper arms parallel in front of your shoulders.
    4. Extend your elbows to lower the handles, keeping your upper arms on the pad.
    5. Before fully extending your elbows, return the handles to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    45lbs
    2
    8reps
    45lbs
    3
    8reps
    45lbs
  • 3. Smith Machine Close-Grip Bench Press

    Smith Machine Close-Grip Bench Press demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    281,862
    Triceps Strength
    64 mScore
    Triceps
    Photo of Smith Machine
    Smith Machine
    Photo of Flat Bench
    Flat Bench

    The Smith Machine Close-Grip Bench Press is a safe way to strengthen your triceps, chest, and shoulders. This exercise focuses on your triceps, helping to build arm strength and muscle definition, making it great for beginners and experienced lifters alike.

    How to do it

    1. Lie on a bench and squeeze your shoulder blades together. Keep your heels flat on the floor.
    2. Ensure the bench touches your head, shoulders, and butt throughout the exercise.
    3. Position the Smith Machine bar over your lower chest and grip it with your hands directly above your shoulders.
    4. Brace your core, unhook the bar, and lower it to your chest by bending your elbows.
    5. Gently touch your chest with the bar, then exhale and push it back to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    40lbs
    2
    8reps
    40lbs
    3
    8reps
    40lbs
  • 4. Assisted Dip

    Assisted Dip demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    551,433
    Triceps Strength
    91 mScore
    Triceps
    Photo of Assisted Weight Machine
    Assisted Weight Machine

    The Assisted Dip is a modified version of the standard dip, designed for beginners. It primarily works the triceps and provides support by using a counterweight, making it easier to maintain balance and focus on the movement.

    How to do it

    1. Grab the dip bars with your arms straight.
    2. Kneel on the assisted dip machine pad and engage your core.
    3. Lean slightly forward and keep your shoulders back.
    4. Bend your elbows to lower your body until they are at a 90-degree angle.
    5. Push back up to the starting position by straightening your elbows.

Alternative Workouts

Alternative Beginner Workouts with Weight Machines

Alternative Beginner Triceps Workouts

Alternative Triceps Workouts with Weight Machines