Not surprisingly it is more common to focus on bicep training opposed to tricep. But training your triceps are equally important, if not more, for an overall proportional shape, strength and definition.
With this six move workout, comprising of two super-sets, we have compiled the perfect tricep training for you! Plus this will incorporate back, biceps and a slight chest impact, meaning you will define in next to no time.
By performing the super-sets you are engaging the neglected muscle fibres, meaning your body will become stronger and gain muscle mass, giving you a sculpted, even definition and equal strength throughout each muscle group in the arm.
How to do the workout
This is a six-move session divided into three supersets. Do a set of move 1A and go straight on to 1B, sticking to the sets, reps and rest shown until all sets are completed for both. Then follow this same superset pattern for moves 2A and 2B, then 3A and 3B.
Superset 1
Warm up thoroughly by doing three to four sets each of move 1A and 1B, starting with a low-weight, high-rep set. With each warm-up set increase the weight and reduce the reps until you get to your work-set weight.
1A Decline close-grip press
Sets 4 Reps 12 Rest 60sec
Tip: Having your elbows tight to your sides shifts the emphasis to your triceps.
How:
- Lie on a decline bench holding an EZ-bar with a shoulder-width grip.
- Lower the bar to your stomach, keeping your elbows tight to your sides.
- Then press back up.
1B Decline skullcrusher
Sets 4 Reps 12 Rest 60sec
Tip: It’s a great move to isolate your triceps and move them through a good range of motion.
How:
- Lie on a decline bench holding an EZ-bar with a shoulder-width grip.
- Keeping your elbows pointing straight up, lower the bar down towards your forehead.
- Pause, then straighten your arms to return to the start.
Superset 2
Triceps dips and diamond press-ups are two of the most challenging bodyweight moves you can do and they’re seriously effective for building bigger triceps. Focus on good form and keeping each rep slow and controlled to increase muscular workload and minimise any momentum that will cheat you of maximum gains.
2A Triceps dip
Sets 4 Reps 6-12 Rest 60sec
Tip: It’s the classic bodyweight triceps move because it’s so effective.
How:
- Hold parallel bars with your chest up and abs and glutes engaged.
- Bend your elbows to lower yourself as far as possible.
- Press back up powerfully, without fully locking out your arms at the top.
2B Diamond press-up
Sets 4 Reps 6-12 Rest 60sec
Tip: It’s a tough variation of the press-up that taxes your triceps.
How:
- Form a diamond with your thumbs and index fingers, then lower your chest to the floor.
- Press back up but don’t lock out your arms.
Superset 3
These two cable moves will increase the workload on your triceps because they must control the weight on the way up as well as the way down. Keep the reps slow and focus on flexing your triceps as hard as possible as you straighten your arms to recruit even more triceps muscle fibres.
3A Cable overhead extension
Sets 4 Reps 15 Rest 60sec
Tip: Using a cable keeps tension on your triceps for both the lifting and lowering part of each rep.
How:
- Stand tall, holding the double-rope handle behind your head.
- Press upwards to straighten your arms.
- Slowly return back to the start position.
3B Cable press-down
Sets 4 Reps 15 Rest 60sec
Tip: It’s an easy move but keeping your form strict will work your triceps to full fatigue.
How:
- Stand tall, holding the double-rope handle in both hands.
- Keeping your chest up and abs braced, press down to straighten your arms fully.
- Return slowly to the start position, squeezing your biceps hard at the top.
