These tricep workouts are the best you can do for strong, toned arms, according to a top trainer
Strong, toned arms are the envy of many fitness enthusiasts, and according to top trainers, there are specific tricep workouts that stand above the rest in delivering results. Here’s what you need to know about the best tricep exercises for building arm strength and muscle definition.
1. Close-Grip Bench Press: This variation of the bench press focuses more on the triceps. By narrowing the grip, you shift the emphasis from the chest to the arms, providing a powerful workout for the triceps.
2. Tricep Dips: This classic bodyweight exercise can be performed on parallel bars or off the edge of a bench or chair. Lowering your body by bending your elbows puts significant stress on the triceps, making it an effective muscle builder.
3. Skull Crushers: Also known as lying tricep extensions, this workout involves lifting weights overhead while lying on a bench, then lowering them towards your forehead by bending at the elbows. It’s a great isolator for tricep muscles.
4. Overhead Tricep Extension: Whether using a dumbbell or a cable machine, this exercise involves extending your arms overhead and then flexing at the elbow to lower and raise the weight behind your head. It targets all three heads of the triceps.
5. Diamond Push-ups: By bringing your hands together under your chest to form a diamond shape with your thumbs and index fingers, you increase the workload on your triceps compared to standard push-ups.
6. Cable Rope Tricep Pushdowns: This gym staple allows for constant tension on the triceps throughout the movement. The rope attachment also lets you tweak hand positioning to hit different parts of the muscles.
7. Kickbacks: Usually performed with dumbbells, kickbacks require you to lean forward with weights in hand and extend your arms back until they are parallel with your torso, effectively engaging the triceps.
A top trainer would suggest combining these exercises into a routine that works all parts of the triceps for balanced development and optimal strength gains. Make sure to start with lighter weights to master proper form before proceeding to heavier loads to avoid injury. With consistency and proper nutrition, these tricep workouts can help anyone achieve strong, toned arms.