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Assisted Standing Triceps Extension (With Towel)
A partner-assisted overhead triceps extension using a towel for resistance, useful when no free weights or cables are available.
ArmsMachineElbow extension
GoLightWeight mediaassisted-standing-triceps-extension-with-towel
Demonstration coming soon
Primary
Triceps
Secondary
Anterior deltoidsCoreSerratus anterior
Equipment
Machine
Pattern
Elbow extension
Setup
- 01Stand tall and hold one end of a towel with both hands behind your head, elbows pointing up.
- 02Have a partner stand behind you and grip the other end of the towel below your hands.
- 03Set your feet hip width apart and brace your trunk so the ribs stay down.
- 04Agree on a resistance level so the partner can match your strength through the range.
Execution
- 01Start with elbows bent and the towel hanging down your back.
- 02Extend the elbows to pull the towel upward while the partner resists smoothly.
- 03Pause briefly at full elbow extension overhead.
- 04Resist the partner's pull as your elbows bend back to the start position.
Checkpoints
- -Upper arms stay vertical and close to the head throughout.
- -Resistance feels smooth and even in both directions.
- -Lower back stays neutral without rib flare.
- -Elbows extend fully at the top of each rep.
Common mistakes
- -Letting the elbows drift forward and turning it into a press.
- -A partner resisting too hard and breaking the movement rhythm.
- -Arching the lower back to fake extra range.
- -Rushing reps instead of matching the partner's steady tension.
Programming notes
- -Use 2 to 3 sets of 10 to 15 controlled reps as an accessory or travel option.
- -Emphasize a 2 to 3 second lowering phase since the partner controls the load.
- -Progress by asking the partner to increase resistance rather than adding reps endlessly.
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