As the weather warms up, many of us start thinking about our summer wardrobes, particularly those sleeveless tops and bathing suits. It's the perfect time to focus on strengthening your triceps, the muscles located at the back of your arms. Not only will this help you feel more confident in your clothes, but strong triceps are also essential for performing everyday lifting and pulling tasks.
Incorporating tricep exercises into your fitness routine can help eliminate that common trouble spot that often jiggles when you wave. The tricep is a three-part muscle, and to effectively tone and strengthen it, you need to perform exercises that target all three sections. This article will introduce you to some of the best tricep workouts you can do to achieve toned arms.
Ready to get started? Here are some of my favorite tricep exercises that you can easily incorporate into your workout routine. Each exercise should be repeated 10 times before moving on to the next, or you can create a circuit workout by repeating the entire set three times. Let's dive in!
What You Will Learn
- The importance of tricep strength in everyday activities
- Various effective exercises to target and tone your triceps
- How to create a workout routine incorporating tricep exercises
- Tips for maintaining proper form during workouts
Tricep Extensions
To perform tricep extensions, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and hold one dumbbell with both hands. Raise the dumbbell overhead, ensuring your biceps remain stationary. Lower the dumbbell down your upper back by bending your elbows, then engage your triceps to lift the weight back to the starting position.
Tricep Dips
Start sitting on the ground with your palms behind you and fingers facing your body. Move your butt back toward your hands while pressing down through your feet to lift your body up. Keep your knees bent as you lower down into the dip by bending your elbows, then press back up to the starting position.
Tricep Pushups
Begin in a plank position with your shoulders over your wrists. Pull your naval in toward your spine and bend your elbows straight back, keeping them close to your sides. Press down through your hands to return to the starting position.
Diamond Pushups
In a plank position, walk your hands closer together to form a diamond shape with your thumbs and index fingers. Bend your elbows out to the sides to lower your chest toward the ground, then press back up to the starting position.
Tricep Kickbacks
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and hold weights in each hand. With a slight bend in your knees, hinge at your hips so your chest is tilted forward. Keep your elbows close to your sides as you extend your forearms back, then return to the starting position.
Single Arm Tricep Reach
Hold a dumbbell in your right hand and step your left foot forward. Bend your left knee and lean forward, keeping your shoulder facing forward. Lift your right arm straight back without dropping your shoulder, then lower it back down.
Pulsing Arm Kickbacks
Stand with weights down by your sides and flip your palms to face the back. Press your arms back toward the wall, then return to center. Repeat this movement at a moderate pace to really engage those triceps.
Alligator Mouth Flies
Stand with a dumbbell in each hand and your feet shoulder-width apart. Bend slightly at the knees and hinge at your waist. Extend your right arm forward while reaching your left arm back to engage your triceps, then alternate the movement.
Skull Crushers
Lie on your back with your feet flat on the ground. Hold a dumbbell with both hands above your chest. Lower the dumbbell behind your head, bending at the elbows, then extend your arms back to the starting position.
Dumbbell Jab
Hold a dumbbell in each hand and stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Bend your elbows to position the dumbbells close to your chest. Push one dumbbell forward, resembling a boxing jab, then return and repeat with the other arm.
Final Thoughts
Incorporating these tricep exercises into your routine can not only help tone your arms but also improve your overall strength. Always remember to maintain proper form to prevent injuries and maximize benefits.
Stay consistent with your workouts, and you'll soon notice improvements in your arm strength and appearance. Are you ready to show off those toned triceps this summer?