Your Cart is Empty
Triceps are an important muscle group for anyone looking to maximize their upper body strength and build a strong physique. Developing this muscle group can help athletes of all levels gain a competitive edge in sports such as swimming, basketball, football, and baseball. It can also provide the foundation for building a more muscular, athletic-looking physique.
Shop The Collection: DumbbellsThis guide is designed to provide you with the complete knowledge needed to build your triceps using fitness equipment. We will cover the types of equipment available, how to use each piece correctly, and the best exercises to target your triceps. Read on to learn more!
Shop The Gear: MAGMA 5-30 LB Rubber Hex Dumbbell Set + 6-Tier Dumbbell Rack, $453.99 USD
There are several types of fitness equipment available for targeting the triceps. The most common pieces include free weights (dumbbells, barbells, etc.), weight machines, resistance bands, and cable machines. Each type of equipment has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to understand which one is best for your goals.
Shop The Collection: BarbellsFree weights are probably the most commonly used type of fitness equipment for triceps development. They are generally inexpensive, widely available, and very versatile. You can use them for a variety of exercises, from basic curls and presses to complex multi-joint movements. Free weights allow you to work through a full range of motion, which is essential for activating and developing the triceps.
Shop The Gear: Concorde Olympic Training Barbell – 33 lb, $214.99 USD
Weight machines are a great option for those who want to focus on specific muscles without having to worry about proper form. They are easy to use and come with adjustable weight settings that allow you to choose the right level of resistance for your needs. Weight machines also provide extra support and stability, which can be beneficial for beginners or those with existing injuries.
Resistance bands are another popular choice for targeting the triceps. They are lightweight and portable, making them ideal for home workouts or travel. Resistance bands are also extremely versatile and can be used for a wide range of exercises. Unlike free weights, they provide continuous tension throughout the entire movement, which can help you target different parts of the triceps.
Cable machines offer many of the same benefits as weight machines, but with greater variability. The cables are adjustable, allowing you to customize the range of motion and resistance according to your needs. Cable machines also offer a greater degree of stability than free weights, making them a great option for those who need extra support during their workouts.
Knowing how to use the various pieces of fitness equipment for triceps development is essential for achieving the best results. Here are some tips for getting the most out of each type of equipment:
When using free weights for triceps development, it's important to maintain proper form at all times. Start by selecting a weight that is appropriate for your current strength level. As you become more comfortable with the movement, you can gradually increase the weight to challenge your muscles further. Be sure to focus on contracting your triceps as you lift and lower the weights, and keep your elbows close to your sides throughout the entire movement.
Using weight machines for triceps development requires a few extra steps compared to free weights. First, adjust the seat height so that your arms are in line with the cable or pulley. Next, select the appropriate weight setting and make sure the machine is properly locked into place. Finally, perform the exercise slowly and with control, focusing on squeezing your triceps at the top of the movement.
Resistance bands are a great way to target your triceps without using any additional equipment. To get the most out of these bands, start by looping the band around a stable object such as a door frame or pole. Once you have secured the band, grab both handles and stand a few feet away from the anchor point. Then, perform the desired exercise, focusing on keeping your elbows close to your sides and squeezing your triceps at the top of each rep.
Cable machines are a great option for targeting the triceps. Before beginning your workout, adjust the cable height to a level that is comfortable for you. Then, select the appropriate weight setting and make sure the machine is securely locked into place. When performing the exercise, focus on maintaining good form and controlling the weight throughout the entire movement.
Once you understand the basics of using fitness equipment for triceps development, it's time to move on to the exercises. Here are some of the best exercises for building triceps:
The close-grip bench press is a classic exercise for building the triceps. To perform the exercise, lie back on a flat bench and grip the barbell with your hands about shoulder-width apart. From there, lower the bar towards your chest, keeping your elbows tucked in close to your sides. Then, press the bar back up to the starting position and repeat for the desired number of reps.
The overhead triceps extension is an excellent exercise for targeting the triceps. Begin by standing upright and gripping a dumbbell with both hands behind your head. From there, bend your elbows and lower the weight behind your head until your forearms are parallel to the floor. Then, press the weight back up to the starting position and repeat for the desired number of reps.
Dips are a great compound exercise for targeting the triceps. To perform the exercise, begin by gripping the bars of a dip station and raising your body off the ground. From there, lower yourself down until your elbows reach a 90-degree angle. Then, press your body back up to the starting position and repeat for the desired number of reps.
Cable pushdowns are an excellent triceps isolation exercise. Begin by facing the cable machine and grabbing the handle with a neutral grip. From there, press the handle down towards your thighs while keeping your elbows close to your sides. Then, slowly release the handle back to the starting position and repeat for the desired number of reps.
Building triceps with fitness equipment is an effective way to strengthen and develop this important muscle group. By understanding the types of equipment available, how to use them correctly, and the best exercises for triceps development, you can ensure that you're getting the most out of your triceps workouts. Now that you know the basics, it's time to put your newfound knowledge into practice!
