Exercise guide · Intermediate · Compound

Dumbbell Tricep Kickback with Stork Stance: How to Do It & Muscles Worked

The dumbbell tricep kickback with stork stance is a variation of the traditional tricep kickback that incorporates a balance challenge by having the exerciser stand on one leg (stork stance) while performing the movement. This targets the triceps while also engaging the core and stabilizing muscles.

Primary muscles
Triceps
Secondary muscles
Shoulders
Equipment
Dumbbell
Level · type
Intermediate · Compound
Demonstration of the dumbbell tricep kickback with stork stance
Front view: muscles worked by the dumbbell tricep kickback with stork stance. Primary: triceps. Secondary: shoulders.
Back view: muscles worked by the dumbbell tricep kickback with stork stance. Primary: triceps. Secondary: shoulders.
Primary Secondary

How to do the dumbbell tricep kickback with stork stance

  1. Step 1: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and hold a dumbbell in your right hand.
  2. Step 2: Bend your knees slightly and hinge forward at the hips, keeping your back straight.
  3. Step 3: Bring your right elbow up to your side, keeping it bent at a 90-degree angle.
  4. Step 4: Extend your right arm straight back, squeezing your triceps.
  5. Step 5: Pause for a moment, then slowly lower the dumbbell back to the starting position.
  6. Step 6: Repeat for the desired number of repetitions, then switch sides.

Sets, reps and programming

Suggested sets, reps and rest for the dumbbell tricep kickback with stork stance 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.

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