Dumbbell One-Arm Triceps Extension
A upper arms exercise targeting the triceps, performed with dumbbell.
How to do Dumbbell One-Arm Triceps Extension
Grab a dumbbell and either sit on a military press bench or a utility bench that has a back support on it as you place the dumbbells upright on top of your thighs or stand up straight.
Clean the dumbbell up to bring it to shoulder height and then extend the arm over your head so that the whole arm is perpendicular to the floor and next to your head. The dumbbell should be on top of you. The other hand can be kept fully extended to the side, by the waist, supporting the upper arm that has the dumbbell or grabbing a fixed surface.
Rotate the wrist so that the palm of your hand is facing forward and the pinkie is facing the ceiling. This will be your starting position.
Slowly lower the dumbbell behind your head as you hold the upper arm stationary. Inhale as you perform this movement and pause when your triceps are fully stretched.
Return to the starting position by flexing your triceps as you breathe out. Tip: It is imperative that only the forearm moves. The upper arm should remain at all times stationary next to your head.
Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions and switch arms.
Muscles worked
Primary (target)
Secondary
Related exercises
active style cable pushdown
assisted standing triceps extension (with towel)
assisted standing triceps extension (with towel) with horizontal
assisted triceps dip (kneeling)
band close-grip push-up
band side triceps extension
Track Dumbbell One-Arm Triceps Extension in NutriMind
Log your sets and the app does the rest — automatic PR detection, progression charts for every lift, and progressive overload that adjusts your next workout. Paired with AI nutrition coaching so your training and your plate pull in the same direction.
Planning your next heavy session? Estimate your max with the One Rep Max Calculator and build up to it with the Warm-up Calculator. More free tools →