Seated Barbell Overhead Triceps Extension: How-to, Tips & More

The Seated Barbell Overhead Triceps Extension is a beginner isolation exercise for your triceps. You do it with barbell and bench. It is a good fit when your goal is muscle growth.

Muscles worked

Triceps muscle

Triceps

Primary

How to do the Seated Barbell Overhead Triceps Extension

  1. Sit upright on a bench holding a barbell overhead with a narrow grip.
  2. Keep your elbows pointing up and close to your head.
  3. Lower the bar behind your head by bending your elbows.
  4. Press it back up until your arms are straight.

Seated Barbell Overhead Triceps Extension tips

  • Keep your upper arms still.
  • An EZ bar is easier on the wrists.

Sets and reps

Most lifters do well with 10 to 15 reps per set, and 10 to 15 reps is where this exercise tends to work best. Use a weight that leaves one or two reps in reserve on every set, and add weight once you can complete all your sets at the top of the range. It also works well in a superset with an exercise for the opposite muscles. You can finish with a drop set when you want extra volume.

Equipment

Barbell, Bench

Type

Isolation

Seated Barbell Overhead Triceps Extension alternatives

More triceps exercises

Frequently asked questions

What muscles does the Seated Barbell Overhead Triceps Extension work?

The Seated Barbell Overhead Triceps Extension mainly works your triceps.

How many sets and reps should I do?

A good starting point is 10 to 15 reps per set, and many lifters get the best results between 10 to 15 reps. Use a weight that leaves one or two reps in reserve.

Is the Seated Barbell Overhead Triceps Extension good for beginners?

Yes. The Seated Barbell Overhead Triceps Extension is considered beginner and is a good choice if you are new to training. Start light and focus on form.

What equipment do I need for the Seated Barbell Overhead Triceps Extension?

You need barbell and bench.

Seated Barbell Overhead Triceps Extension demonstration

Add Seated Barbell Overhead Triceps Extension to your program

Bite fills in your weights, tracks your progress and tells you when to go heavier.

Download on the App StoreComing soon