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Seated Triceps Press

Seated Triceps Press is a beginner isolation dumbbell exercise that mainly works your triceps.

💪 Triceps🏋️ Dumbbell📈 Beginner🔗 Isolation🎯 3 sets of 10-15 reps
Seated Triceps Press: starting position
Starting position
Seated Triceps Press: end position
End position

How to do the seated triceps press

  1. Sit down on a bench with back support and grasp a dumbbell with both hands and hold it overhead at arm's length. Tip: a better way is to have somebody hand it to you especially if it is very heavy. The resistance should be resting in the palms of your hands with your thumbs around it. The palm of the hand should be facing inward. This will be your starting position.
  2. Keeping your upper arms close to your head (elbows in) and perpendicular to the floor, lower the resistance in a semi-circular motion behind your head until your forearms touch your biceps. Tip: The upper arms should remain stationary and only the forearms should move. Breathe in as you perform this step.
  3. Go back to the starting position by using the triceps to raise the dumbbell. Breathe out as you perform this step.
  4. Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

Muscles worked

Primary: Triceps

Sets and reps

Do 3 sets of 10-15 reps with 60-90 seconds of rest, using a weight you can control through the full range. Add reps first, then weight.

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Seated Triceps Press alternatives

Exercises that train the same main muscle, including options with other equipment.

Triceps PushdownCable · BeginnerSkull CrusherBarbell · BeginnerTate PressDumbbell · IntermediateBody Tricep PressBodyweight · BeginnerMachine Triceps ExtensionMachine · BeginnerBand Skull CrusherBand · Beginner

FAQ

What muscles does the seated triceps press work?

It mainly works your triceps.

How many sets and reps of seated triceps press should I do?

Do 3 sets of 10-15 reps with 60-90 seconds of rest, using a weight you can control through the full range. Add reps first, then weight.

Is the seated triceps press good for beginners?

Yes. It is a beginner-friendly movement: start light and focus on the form steps above.

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