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Slide show

Slide show: Weight training exercises

By Mayo Clinic staff
 

Photo of woman doing triceps extension with dumbbell

Triceps extension

The triceps extension is an exercise you can do with a dumbbell to strengthen the triceps muscle in the back of your upper arm.

Lie on your back with a dumbbell in your hand. Point your upper arm toward the ceiling, with your elbow bent to 90 degrees. Slowly straighten your elbow, moving the weight upward. Avoid using momentum to force your elbow straight. You'll feel tension in the muscles in the back of your upper arm. Then slowly lower the weight to the starting position. Repeat. If necessary, use the opposite hand to help keep your arm in a 90-degree position during each extension.

You can do triceps extensions lying on a weight bench or on the floor.

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References
  1. Jeffreys I. Warm-up and stretching. In: Baechle TR, et al. Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning. 3rd ed. Champaign, Ill.: Human Kinetics; 2008:295.
  2. Pollock ML, et al. Resistance training for health. The President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. http://www.fitness.gov/resistance.pdf. Accessed March 1, 2010.
  3. Peterson DM. Overview of the benefits and risks of exercise. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed March 1, 2010.
  4. Wilmore JH, et al. Principles of exercise training. In: Wilmore JH, et al. Physiology of Sport and Exercise. 4th ed. Champaign, Ill.: Human Kinetics; 2008:186.
  5. Earle RW, et al. Resistance training and spotting techniques. In: Baechle TR, et al. Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning. 3rd ed. Champaign, Ill.: Human Kinetics; 2008:325.
  6. Harman E, et al. Administration, scoring, and interpretation of selected tests. In: Baechle TR, et al. Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning. 3rd ed. Champaign, Ill.: Human Kinetics; 2008:249.
SM00041 July 2, 2010

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