Back to library

Exercise Library

Dumbbell Seated Bent Over Alternate Kickback

A seated bent-over triceps kickback done one arm at a time, useful for locking in a strict elbow position and training full elbow extension without cheating from the hips.

ArmsDumbbellElbow extension
GoLightWeight mediadumbbell-seated-bent-over-alternate-kickback

Demonstration coming soon

Primary

Triceps

Secondary

Posterior deltoidsForearmsSpinal erectors

Equipment

Dumbbell

Pattern

Elbow extension

Setup

  1. 01Sit on the end of a flat bench with a light dumbbell in each hand.
  2. 02Hinge forward from the hips until your torso is close to parallel with the floor.
  3. 03Pull both elbows up so the upper arms are pinned against your sides, parallel to the torso.
  4. 04Keep a neutral spine and let the forearms hang toward the floor.

Execution

  1. 01Brace the trunk and hold both upper arms motionless against the ribs.
  2. 02Extend one elbow until the arm is fully straight behind you.
  3. 03Squeeze the triceps briefly at full lockout.
  4. 04Lower that forearm under control, then repeat with the other arm, alternating sides.

Checkpoints

  • -Upper arms stay parallel to the floor for the entire set.
  • -Only the forearm moves; the shoulder joint stays still.
  • -Torso angle does not change as the arms alternate.
  • -Each rep reaches a full elbow lockout.

Common mistakes

  • -Swinging the dumbbell with momentum instead of extending the elbow.
  • -Letting the elbow drop toward the floor between reps.
  • -Rocking the torso up and down to help the weight travel.
  • -Using a load too heavy to fully straighten the arm.

Programming notes

  • -Use 2 to 4 sets of 10 to 15 reps per arm as a triceps finisher.
  • -Keep loads light; a 1 to 2 second squeeze at lockout is worth more than extra weight.
  • -Pairs well after a heavy press or pushdown when the triceps are pre-fatigued.

Related exercises

Almost there

Coming soon to iOS & Android

GoLightWeight is in the final stretch. Free to download, no account required to start.

Coming soonApp Store
Coming soonGoogle Play