Triceps · TRX

Suspension Tricep Extension

A bodyweight extension that smokes the triceps anywhere.

Suspension Tricep Extension exercise demonstration
TricepsTRX

How to do it

  1. Grip the suspension handles and lean forward with arms extended.
  2. Walk your feet to set the difficulty, body straight.
  3. Bend at your elbows, lowering your head between your hands.
  4. Extend your arms to press back to the start.

The one cue that matters

Keep your elbows high and fixed, hinge only at the elbow joint.

Muscles worked

Leaning your bodyweight into the straps and hinging only at the elbows makes the triceps lower and lift a serious fraction of your bodyweight, with your foot position acting as the resistance dial. The overhead-style stretch as your head drops between your hands loads the long head of the triceps hard at length, which is where extensions do their best work. It earns its place as the heaviest triceps isolation you can do with no weights at all.

FAQ

How do I make suspension tricep extensions easier or harder?

Walk your feet. Feet further back and body more horizontal means more of your weight loads the triceps, feet forward and more upright means less. It is infinitely adjustable mid-set, which is what makes it such a good bodyweight option.

Why do my shoulders take over on these?

Your elbows are drifting and turning it into a press. Fix the elbows in space, high and pointing forward, and let the forearms hinge alone. If you cannot hold that, step your feet forward until you can.

Are these as good as skull crushers?

They train the same movement, elbow extension with the arm forward of the body, and the deep stretch position is comparable. You trade precise load selection for convenience and a strong core demand. For home or travel training, they cover the job completely.

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