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Ground Dumbbell Seated Triceps Extension

The dumbbell seated triceps extension is an isolation exercise that targets the triceps, performed while seated and using a dumbbell held with both hands overhead.

Quick Facts

Body PartsUpper Arms
Target MusclesTriceps
Secondary MusclesShoulders
EquipmentDumbbell
DifficultyBeginner
Exercise TypeStrength
BilateralYes

How to Do Ground Dumbbell Seated Triceps Extension

Follow these step-by-step instructions to perform Ground Dumbbell Seated Triceps Extension with proper form and technique.

  1. Sit on a bench with your back straight and feet flat on the ground.
  2. Hold a dumbbell with both hands and extend your arms straight up overhead.
  3. Bend your elbows and lower the dumbbell behind your head, keeping your upper arms close to your ears. Emphasize ground control.
  4. Pause for a moment, then straighten your arms and return to the starting position.
  5. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

Muscles Worked

Understanding which muscles Ground Dumbbell Seated Triceps Extension targets helps you integrate it effectively into your training program.

Target Muscles

These are the main muscles responsible for performing the movement and receive the greatest training stimulus.

Triceps

Secondary Muscles

These muscles assist in the movement and receive secondary training benefits.

Shoulders

Benefits of Ground Dumbbell Seated Triceps Extension

Incorporating Ground Dumbbell Seated Triceps Extension into your workout routine offers numerous advantages for strength, muscle development, and overall fitness.

  • Triceps Development: Ground Dumbbell Seated Triceps Extension directly targets and strengthens the Triceps, promoting muscle growth and improved functional strength.
  • Secondary Muscle Engagement: This exercise also works the Shoulders, providing additional training stimulus without extra exercises.
  • Balanced Development: Dumbbells require each side to work independently, helping correct muscle imbalances and improving overall symmetry.
  • Functional Strength: Strength exercises like Ground Dumbbell Seated Triceps Extension build real-world strength that transfers to daily activities and athletic performance.
  • Beginner-Friendly: This exercise is accessible to those new to fitness, with a movement pattern that's relatively easy to learn with proper instruction.

Safety Tips and Precautions

Performing Ground Dumbbell Seated Triceps Extension safely is essential for preventing injuries and ensuring long-term progress.

  • Warm Up Properly: Before performing Ground Dumbbell Seated Triceps Extension, complete 5-10 minutes of light cardio followed by dynamic stretches targeting the Triceps and surrounding muscles.
  • Prioritize Form Over Weight: Never sacrifice proper technique for heavier weights. Poor form significantly increases injury risk and reduces the exercise's effectiveness.
  • Control the Weights: Always maintain full control of the dumbbells. Avoid swinging or using momentum, and never drop dumbbells from height.
  • Respect Your Range of Motion: Work within your current mobility limits. Gradually improve flexibility over time rather than forcing deeper positions.
  • Don't Hold Your Breath: Maintain consistent breathing throughout the exercise. Exhale during the exertion phase and inhale during the easier phase.
  • Know When to Stop: End your set when you can no longer maintain proper form. Training to absolute failure on every set increases injury risk.
  • Allow Adequate Recovery: The Triceps typically need 48-72 hours to recover after intense training. Avoid training the same muscle group on consecutive days.

Tracking Your Progress

To make consistent gains with Ground Dumbbell Seated Triceps Extension, track these metrics during your workouts:

Sets

Track the number of sets you complete. Most training programs recommend 3-5 sets per exercise.

Reps

Record your repetitions per set. Adjust rep ranges based on your goals: 1-5 for strength, 6-12 for hypertrophy, 12+ for endurance.

Weight

Log the weight used for progressive overload. Aim to gradually increase weight while maintaining proper form.

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