Exercise 0817 · REF uOV3Itw

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 upright with your back straight.
  2. Extend one arm overhead, bending it at the elbow.
  3. Place your opposite hand on the bent elbow and gently pull it towards your head.
  4. Hold the stretch for 15-30 seconds, feeling a gentle stretch in your triceps.
  5. Release the stretch and repeat on the other arm.

Muscles Worked

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

More Upper Arms Exercises

More Triceps Exercises

Equipment Alternatives

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

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.