Incline Barbell Triceps Extension

Setup

1. 01Set a bench to a 30 to 45 degree incline and lie back with a barbell or EZ bar.
2. 02Grip the bar about shoulder width with an overhand grip.
3. 03Press the bar up so the arms are straight and angled slightly behind the head.

Execution

1. 01Keeping the upper arms still, bend the elbows and lower the bar behind the top of the head.
2. 02Lower until you feel a deep stretch in the triceps.
3. 03Extend the elbows to bring the bar back to the start position.
4. 04Keep the arms angled slightly back at lockout to maintain tension.

Checkpoints

• -Upper arms hold a constant angle; only the forearms move.
• -Bar travels behind the head, not toward the face.
• -Wrists stay straight under the bar.
• -Feet and hips stay planted on the bench and floor.

Common mistakes

• -Flaring the elbows wide to shorten the range.
• -Letting the upper arms drop toward the torso, turning it into a pullover-press.
• -Locking out directly over the shoulders, which unloads the triceps.
• -Loading too heavy and cutting the stretch short.