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Triceps exercise · dumbbell

Dumbbell Seated Bench Extension

The dumbbell seated bench extension is a dumbbell exercise that targets the triceps, with the shoulders assisting.

Animated demonstration of the dumbbell seated bench extension
Dumbbell Seated Bench Extension — demonstration
Target muscle
Triceps
Also works
Shoulders
Equipment
Dumbbell
Body part
Upper arms

How to do the dumbbell seated bench extension

  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 above your head.
  3. Slowly lower the dumbbell behind your head, keeping your elbows close to your ears.
  4. Pause for a moment, then raise the dumbbell back up to the starting position.
  5. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

Sets and reps

For muscle growth, 3–4 sets of 8–12 reps with 60–90 seconds of rest is a proven starting point. For strength, use a heavier weight for 3–5 sets of 3–6 reps and rest 2–3 minutes. Add a little weight once you hit the top of your rep range on every set.

Muscles worked

The main muscle is the triceps. The shoulders work as secondary muscles. See all triceps exercises or every dumbbell exercise.

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