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Best Triceps Workouts With Barbells

About

Barbells are a versatile and common piece of equipment found in most fitness programs.

They support significant strength and hypertrophy gains, making them ideal for various exercises.

Triceps are muscles located on the back of the upper arm, essential for elbow extension and involved in pushing movements.

Effective triceps training includes barbell exercises such as Skull Crushers and Close-Grip Bench Presses, utilizing consistent loads tailored to individual capabilities to promote muscle development.

Such workouts integrate principles seen in Olympic lifting, ensuring comprehensive effectiveness.

The 2 Best Triceps Exercises with Barbells

Ranked By

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

  • 1. Close-Grip Bench Press

    Close-Grip Bench Press demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    3,536,639
    Triceps Strength
    92 mScore
    Triceps
    Photo of Barbells
    Barbells
    Photo of Flat Bench
    Flat Bench

    The Close-Grip Bench Press targets the triceps more than the standard bench press by keeping your hands closer together. This exercise is ideal for adding triceps strength to your chest workout.

    How to do it

    1. Lie on a bench with your shoulder blades squeezed together and feet flat on the ground.
    2. Grab the barbell with hands slightly closer than shoulder-width apart, and lift it over your chest.
    3. Lower the barbell toward your chest by bending your elbows, keeping them close to your body.
    4. Touch the barbell lightly on your chest, then push it back up to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    60lbs
    2
    8reps
    60lbs
    3
    8reps
    60lbs
  • 2. Incline Barbell Skull Crusher

    Incline Barbell Skull Crusher demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    328,450
    Triceps Strength
    85 mScore
    Triceps
    Photo of Barbells
    Barbells
    Photo of Incline Bench
    Incline Bench

    The Incline Barbell Skull Crusher is a tricep exercise done on an incline bench. It helps stretch and strengthen the triceps by using a barbell for added stability, allowing for better focus on the movement.

    How to do it

    1. Lie back on an incline bench set at 45-60 degrees, keeping your shoulder blades tight and heels on the ground.
    2. Hold the barbell with a shoulder-width grip, positioned above your shoulders.
    3. Keep your upper arms still as you bend your elbows to lower the barbell above your forehead.
    4. Exhale and extend your arms to lift the barbell back to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    50lbs
    2
    8reps
    50lbs
    3
    8reps
    50lbs

Alternative Workouts

Alternative Workouts with Barbells

Alternative Triceps Workouts