Incline dumbbell overhead triceps extension

Dumbbell, incline bench

Also called incline overhead triceps extension

Lie back on an incline bench holding one dumbbell overhead with both hands, lower it behind the head by bending the elbows, then extend back up.

Movement

Main movers get full credit for a set, helpers half.

Upper body

Scores 1-5 averaged over sources. Tap a rating for the claims behind it. Claims are our summaries of the linked sources, fact-checked by AI.

Muscle growth higher is better4.0
Very good; among the better picks for the muscle. 1 source.
- 4/5 Recommended long-head pick that allows more load than kickbacks; arms slightly behind the head give more long-head stretch per a biomechanical analysis. Jeremy Ethier, The Best Science-Based Triceps Exercises for Each Head (Work Your Weak Points!) @ 3:07videoStudy2018checked by AI
Injury risk lower is better2.0
Low risk with basic technique. 1 source.
- 2/5 Considered one of the safer overhead extension versions for the shoulder joint. Jeremy Ethier, The Best Science-Based Triceps Exercises for Each Head (Work Your Weak Points!) @ 3:07videoExpert opinion2018checked by AI
Loaded stretch higher is better4.0
Hard in the stretched position. 1 source.
- 4/5 Greater shoulder elevation stretches the long head more, so set the arms slightly back instead of straight overhead. Jeremy Ethier, The Best Science-Based Triceps Exercises for Each Head (Work Your Weak Points!) @ 3:38videoStudy2018checked by AI