Exercise 0061 · REF iZop9xO

Barbell Lying Triceps Extension exercise animation

Barbell Lying Triceps Extension

Category
Upper Arms
Equipment
Barbell
Target
Triceps

The barbell lying triceps extension is the umbrella version of the skull crusher pattern — bar lowered to the head from a flat bench, isolating the triceps through a long range. It's one of the more reliable triceps mass builders precisely because the joint only moves at the elbow. Keep a slight tuck in the elbows rather than letting them splay wide, which protects against unwanted shoulder involvement.

How to Do the Barbell Lying Triceps Extension

  1. Lie flat on a bench with your feet flat on the ground and your head at the end of the bench.
  2. Hold the barbell with an overhand grip, hands shoulder-width apart, and extend your arms straight up over your chest.
  3. Keeping your upper arms stationary, slowly lower the barbell towards your forehead by bending your elbows.
  4. Pause for a moment at the bottom, then extend your arms back up to the starting position.
  5. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

Muscles Worked

The Barbell Lying Triceps Extension primarily targets the Triceps, with Shoulders as the primary synergist muscle group.

More Upper Arms Exercises

More Triceps Exercises

Equipment Alternatives

Don't have barbell? These target the same triceps with different equipment.

FAQ

What muscles does the Barbell Lying Triceps Extension work?
The Barbell Lying Triceps Extension primarily targets the triceps, with the shoulders as the main supporting muscle group.
What equipment do I need for the Barbell Lying Triceps Extension?
The Barbell Lying Triceps Extension is done with a barbell.
What's a good alternative to the Barbell Lying Triceps Extension?
If you don't have access to a barbell, the Bench Dip (knees Bent) targets the same triceps using body weight instead.