Ultimate Triceps Workout Guide: Build Bigger & Stronger Arms πͺπ₯
The triceps make up about 60-70% of your upper arm size, so if you want bigger and stronger arms, focusing on triceps workouts is essential! This guide will help you target all three heads of the triceps for maximum muscle growth and definition.
π‘ Triceps Anatomy (Understanding the Muscle for Better Growth)
The triceps brachii has three heads:
β
Long Head β The largest part of the triceps, responsible for size and mass.
β
Lateral Head β Gives the horseshoe shape to your triceps.
β
Medial Head β Adds thickness and overall strength.
To get bigger and stronger arms, you need to train all three heads.
π₯ Best Triceps Exercises for Maximum Growth
1οΈβ£ Close-Grip Bench Press (Mass Builder)
β Targets: Long & Lateral Head
How to Do It:
1οΈβ£ Lie on a bench, grip the bar slightly closer than shoulder-width.
2οΈβ£ Lower the bar slowly to your chest, keeping elbows tucked in.
3οΈβ£ Press the bar back up, squeezing your triceps at the top.
π 4 sets of 8-12 reps
π‘ Pro Tip: Avoid gripping too closeβit can strain your wrists.
2οΈβ£ Triceps Dips (Bodyweight Mass Builder)
β Targets: All 3 triceps heads
How to Do It:
1οΈβ£ Hold onto parallel bars or place hands behind you on a bench.
2οΈβ£ Lower yourself until elbows are at 90 degrees.
3οΈβ£ Push back up, extending your arms fully.
π 3-4 sets of 10-12 reps
π‘ Pro Tip: Add weight (weighted dip belt) for more resistance.
3οΈβ£ Skull Crushers (For Bigger Arms & Strength)
β Targets: Long & Medial Head
How to Do It:
1οΈβ£ Lie on a bench and hold an EZ bar or dumbbells.
2οΈβ£ Lower the weight towards your forehead, keeping elbows steady.
3οΈβ£ Extend your arms back up, squeezing your triceps.
π 3-4 sets of 10-12 reps
π‘ Pro Tip: Lower the bar behind your head for better triceps stretch.
4οΈβ£ Overhead Dumbbell Triceps Extension (For Long Head Growth)
β Targets: Long Head
How to Do It:
1οΈβ£ Hold a single dumbbell overhead with both hands.
2οΈβ£ Lower the dumbbell behind your head slowly.
3οΈβ£ Extend your arms back up fully.
π 3 sets of 10-12 reps
π‘ Pro Tip: Keep elbows tight and stationary for better activation.
5οΈβ£ Triceps Rope Pushdowns (For Horseshoe Definition)
β Targets: Lateral & Medial Head
How to Do It:
1οΈβ£ Stand at a cable machine with a rope attachment.
2οΈβ£ Grip the rope and pull it down and outward at the bottom.
3οΈβ£ Slowly return to starting position.
π 3-4 sets of 12-15 reps
π‘ Pro Tip: Squeeze and hold at the bottom for better definition.
6οΈβ£ Diamond Push-Ups (Bodyweight Triceps Finisher)
β Targets: All 3 Triceps Heads
How to Do It:
1οΈβ£ Get into a push-up position with hands close together (forming a diamond).
2οΈβ£ Lower yourself until your chest nearly touches your hands.
3οΈβ£ Push back up, keeping elbows tucked.
π 3 sets of 15-20 reps
π‘ Pro Tip: Keep core engaged to avoid back strain.
π₯ Advanced Techniques for Faster Growth
π₯ Drop Sets: Reduce the weight mid-set and keep going until failure.
π₯ Supersets: Pair two triceps exercises back-to-back for more intensity.
π₯ Slow Negatives: Lower the weight very slowly to increase time under tension.
π₯ Eccentric Focus: Take 3-4 seconds lowering the weight for extra gains.
π Sample Weekly Triceps Workout Plan
| Day | Exercise | Sets & Reps |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Close-Grip Bench Press, Triceps Dips | 4x12, 3x10 |
| Wednesday | Skull Crushers, Rope Pushdowns | 3x10, 3x12 |
| Friday | Overhead Extensions, Diamond Push-Ups | 3x12, 3x15 |
| Sunday | Full Arm Workout (Triceps + Biceps) | Supersets & Burnout |
π‘ Pro Tips for Bigger Triceps
πΉ Train triceps 2-3 times per week (not every day).
πΉ Use proper form β avoid flaring elbows too much.
πΉ Increase weight gradually for more strength & size.
πΉ Focus on full range of motion for best results.
πΉ Eat a high-protein diet to support muscle recovery.
