Exercise guide · Beginner · Compound

Band Side Triceps Extension: How to Do It & Muscles Worked

The band side triceps extension is an exercise targeting the triceps using a resistance band. It also engages the shoulders as secondary muscles. The movement involves extending the arms out to the sides and bending the elbows to bring the hands toward the shoulders, then returning to the starting position.

Primary muscles
Triceps
Secondary muscles
Shoulders
Equipment
Band
Level · type
Beginner · Compound
Demonstration of the band side triceps extension
Front view: muscles worked by the band side triceps extension. Primary: triceps. Secondary: shoulders.
Back view: muscles worked by the band side triceps extension. Primary: triceps. Secondary: shoulders.
Primary Secondary

How to do the band side triceps extension

  1. Step 1: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and hold the band with both hands, palms facing down.
  2. Step 2: Extend your arms straight out to the sides, keeping them parallel to the ground.
  3. Step 3: Slowly bend your elbows and bring your hands towards your shoulders, keeping your upper arms still.
  4. Step 4: Pause for a moment, then slowly extend your arms back out to the starting position.
  5. Step 5: Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

Sets, reps and programming

Suggested sets, reps and rest for the band side triceps extension by training goal
Goal Sets Reps Rest Effort
Strength 3–5 3–6 3–5 min 1–3 reps in reserve
Muscle growth 3–4 6–12 2–3 min 1–2 reps in reserve
Muscular endurance 2–3 12–20 1–2 min 1–3 reps in reserve

Ranges follow the ACSM position stand on progression in resistance training. Muscle grows across a wide range of loads when sets end close to failure (Schoenfeld et al., 2017), longer rests between heavy sets support strength and size (Schoenfeld et al., 2016), and stopping a rep or two short of failure works about as well as training to failure (Grgic et al., 2022). Estimate your working weights with the strength calculators.

Band Side Triceps Extension alternatives

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