Exercises / Arm & elbow
Triceps kickback
- Strength
- Arm & elbow
- Light dumbbell
With the upper arm held behind the trunk, straighten and bend the elbow.
Where you stand
No published distribution for this exercise yet. We add one only from a peer-reviewed study.
Muscles worked
Filled: primary.
How much
Start with 2 sets of 8-12 slow repetitions per side.
Start: Standing with trunk supported
Steps
- Support the free hand on a bench and tip the trunk slightly forward.
- Keep the working elbow near the ribs and straighten the arm behind you.
- Bend the elbow slowly without dropping the upper arm.
Cues
- Move at the elbow
- Use a light weight
Common mistakes
- Swinging the whole arm
- Twisting the trunk
Used for
- Elbow extension strengthening
Take care (1)
- Start with light resistance and stop if elbow or shoulder pain increases.
Evidence (1)
- Elbow extension is the main action of triceps brachii; this specific kickback has not been shown superior to other variants.1
Easier
Harder
References (1)
- Neumann DA. Elsevier. Kinesiology of the Musculoskeletal System: Foundations for Rehabilitation. 3rd ed.