PlanWorkouts

Upper Arms Exercise · Body Weight

Triceps Stretch exercise animation

Triceps Stretch

Category
Upper Arms
Equipment
Body Weight
Target
Triceps

Reaching one arm overhead and bending the elbow to pull it behind the head stretches the triceps along its full length, a simple move worth doing after heavy pressing or triceps isolation work. It's passive and low-intensity — hold it steady rather than bouncing for a stretch that actually sticks. Most people skip triceps stretching entirely, even though the muscle tightens up just as much as any other from repeated pressing.

How to Do the Triceps Stretch

  1. Stand or sit tall, keeping your spine straight.
  2. Reach one arm overhead and bend it at the elbow.
  3. Use your other hand to grasp the bent elbow and gently draw it toward your head.
  4. Maintain the stretch for 15 to 30 seconds, feeling it working through your triceps.
  5. Repeat for your desired repetitions, keeping constant tension on the working muscle throughout.

Calorie Burn & Set Tracker

Sets
3
Reps / Set
10
Active Timer
00:00
Estimated Burn
0 kcal

Muscles Worked

The Triceps Stretch primarily targets the Triceps, with Shoulders as the primary synergist muscle group.

More Upper Arms Exercises

Assisted Standing Triceps Extension (with Towel) Assisted Standing Triceps Extension (with Towel) Assisted · Triceps Assisted Triceps Dip (kneeling) Assisted Triceps Dip (kneeling) Leverage Machine · Triceps Band Alternating Biceps Curl Band Alternating Biceps Curl Band · Biceps Band Close-Grip Push-Up Band Close-Grip Push-Up Band · Triceps Band Concentration Curl Band Concentration Curl Band · Biceps Band One Arm Overhead Biceps Curl Band One Arm Overhead Biceps Curl Band · Biceps

More Triceps Exercises

Band Side Triceps Extension Band Side Triceps Extension Band · Triceps Barbell Close-Grip Bench Press Barbell Close-Grip Bench Press Barbell · Triceps Barbell Decline Close Grip To Skull Press Barbell Decline Close Grip To Skull Press Barbell · Triceps Barbell Incline Close Grip Bench Press Barbell Incline Close Grip Bench Press Barbell · Triceps Barbell Incline Reverse-Grip Press Barbell Incline Reverse-Grip Press Barbell · Triceps Barbell Jm Bench Press Barbell Jm Bench Press Barbell · Triceps

Equipment Alternatives

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

Assisted Standing Triceps Extension (with Towel) Assisted Standing Triceps Extension (with Towel) Assisted · Triceps Assisted Triceps Dip (kneeling) Assisted Triceps Dip (kneeling) Leverage Machine · Triceps Band Close-Grip Push-Up Band Close-Grip Push-Up Band · Triceps Barbell Close-Grip Bench Press Barbell Close-Grip Bench Press Barbell · Triceps

FAQ

What muscles does the Triceps Stretch work?
The Triceps Stretch primarily targets the triceps, with the shoulders as the main supporting muscle group.
What equipment do I need for the Triceps Stretch?
The Triceps Stretch is done with no equipment — just body weight.
What's a good alternative to the Triceps Stretch?
If you don't have access to the space or setup it needs, the Assisted Standing Triceps Extension (with Towel) targets the same triceps using assisted instead.