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Effective Triceps Workout Strategy

Jun 21, 2025

Overview

The speaker provides a structured approach to building larger triceps, emphasizing exercise sequencing for elbow health, targeted muscle engagement, and the importance of activation exercises before training.

Warm-Up and Activation

  • Begin each workout with triceps activation exercises to establish a mind-muscle connection.
  • Suggested options include pronated kickbacks or band pushdowns, focusing on feeling the triceps contract.
  • Perform 2–3 sets of 10 reps for activation, aiming for muscle engagement rather than fatigue.

Exercise 1: Pushdowns (Lateral and Medial Head Focus)

  • Start the main workout with triceps pushdowns using spongy grips for wrist flexibility and elbow safety.
  • Keep hands together, drive down, and flex to target the lateral head of the triceps.
  • Use overhand and underhand grips to also engage the medial head.
  • Recommended: 3 sets of 10–12 reps.

Exercise 2: JM Press (Heavy Stretch for Triceps Thickness)

  • Move to the JM press with an EZ bar to challenge the overall triceps and use heavier weight.
  • This exercise combines aspects of close-grip bench and lying extension, performed after pushdowns to protect elbows.
  • Suggested: 3–4 sets of 6–8 reps.

Exercise 3: Overhead Stretch for Long Head Emphasis

  • Finish with an overhead triceps extension to maximally stretch the long head, which attaches to the scapula.
  • Best performed when the triceps are already pumped for optimal stretch and muscle engagement.
  • Perform 3–4 sets of 8–10 reps.

Structuring and Elbow Health

  • The sequence begins with safer isolation work, progresses to heavier compound movement, and ends with a focused stretch.
  • Prioritizing elbow health is crucial for long-term triceps development and avoiding tendonitis.

Bonus Tips for Workout Quality

  • Activation drills improve the ability to feel the triceps during main lifts.
  • Consistent usage of the structured sequence enhances both muscle growth and joint health.

Action Items

  • TBD – Viewer: Try the recommended triceps workout sequence.
  • TBD – Viewer: Incorporate one activation exercise before starting triceps training.