Standing Banded Overhead Tricep Extension

The standing banded overhead tricep extension is an effective exercise to build and tone the triceps. It works to enhance overall muscle strength and stability ultimately upper arm definition.

The exercise uses resistance bands to increase versatility and accessibility for individuals of all fitness levels. Using a band also increases the focus on the triceps by improving muscular endurance through constant tension. 

Continue reading for all the details you need to perform the exercise including proper technique, workout structure, and muscle activation.

How To Do

  1. Begin by selecting a resistance band with the appropriate tension. 
  2. Stand upright with feet shoulder-width apart. Secure the band under your feet with one end in each hand behind your head. Inhale and engage your core. 
  3. Exhale as you raise your arms overhead until they are fully extended, keeping the upper arms stationary. 
  4. Hold at the top for a count, focusing on engaging the triceps.
  5. Inhale as you slowly bend your elbows to lower back to the starting position, maintaining control throughout the movement.

Tips From Expert

  • Always begin with a proper warm-up to prepare the muscles and joints before exercise. Perform some tricep stretches to loosen the triceps before the workout.
  • Choose the right resistance band with enough tension which is challenging but still enables you to maintain proper form.
  • Keep your feet shoulder-width apart and core engaged to avoid straining the lower back.
  • Concentrate on squeezing the triceps throughout the exercise to achieve maximum muscle activation.
  • Maintain proper breathing technique by exhaling to extend the arms up and inhaling when lowering back down.
  • Keep the band secure under your feet and avoid overstretching it as this reduces the exercise effectiveness and compromises safety.
  • If you notice wrist pain, stop exercising and seek the help of a medical professional. This ensures no further damage may take place.

Optimal Sets and Reps

The following table provides suggested sets and reps for optimizing the standing banded overhead tricep extensions.

Training Type Sets Reps
Strength Training 3–5 4–6
Hypertrophy 3–4 8–12
Endurance Training 3–4 15–20
Power Training 3–5 1–3 (Explosive)
Optimal Sets & Reps of Standing Banded Overhead Tricep Extension

How to Put in Your Workout Split

There are multiple variations for programming standing banded overhead tricep extensions into your routine, depending on fitness goals and experience. They are effective at improving upper body functional strength and targeted tricep development.

  • Arms And Shoulders — The standing banded overhead tricep extensions can add to an upper-body workout targeting the arms and shoulders. Program it after lat pulldowns, bench presses, bicep curls, and shoulder presses for a comprehensive upper-body routine.
  • Upper Body Push Day — Standing banded overhead tricep extensions can be effective as part of an upper body push day split. It targets other “pressing” muscles like the chest and shoulders. Program it with a bench press, dumbbell chest press, lateral raises, and tricep dips during your upper body push.
  • Triceps and Biceps — Standing banded overhead tricep extensions are great for an arm workout focusing on triceps and biceps. Incorporate it along with bicep curls, tricep dips, preacher curls, and hammer curls to build strong and sculpted arms. This exercise would also be a perfect addition to other resistance band arm workouts targeting the triceps and biceps.

Using your one-repetition maximum (1RM) is beneficial for determining the appropriate weight in the standing banded overhead tricep extension. This is the maximum amount of weight you can complete for one repetition.

As a guide, the load for endurance training ranges from 40%–60% of your 1RM. To improve muscle strength, loads should range from 60–80% of your 1RM. Power training loads should range from 80–100% of your 1RM.

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Equipment

Resistance Band

This can be carried around your home or gym and used for a full-body workout. Ensure you use the correct tension. Check for wear and tear regularly.

Who Should Do?

Athletes Requiring Upper Arm Endurance

Athletes who participate in sports involving arm extensions like swimming, powerlifting, and gymnastics require significant upper arm endurance. They need strong triceps to achieve stability and power during compound lifts and pulling movements. The triceps also help stabilize the elbow and shoulder joints to prevent hyperextension injuries.

The standing banded overhead tricep extension is excellent for these athletes as it isolates and strengthens the triceps. This helps improve overall athletic performance and upper arm endurance. It also helps maintain control and stability in the elbow and shoulder joints to prevent injury.

The standing banded overhead tricep extension optimally complements other upper body exercises like lat pull-downs, bicep curls, and tricep dips. Program it into your arm day routine to increase upper arm endurance and improve joint stability and control.

General Fitness Enthusiasts

General fitness enthusiasts greatly benefit from improved functional strength in the triceps and surrounding muscles. These muscles are crucial for daily functional tasks such as lifting objects, pulling doors, and carrying your child. Additionally, building strength in the triceps adds to an overall balanced workout routine.

The standing banded overhead tricep extension isolates and strengthens the triceps and surrounding muscles. The resistance bands also provide constant tension and increase versatility. This makes it an effective and beneficial exercise for beginners who are not ready for heavy weights.

Add this exercise into your functional strength routine to encourage a balanced upper arm workout and targeted tricep strengthening.

Who Should Not Do?

Individuals With Shoulder Injuries

Individuals with shoulder problems such as a rotator cuff injury have difficulty rotating and loading the shoulder region. The standing banded overhead tricep extension requires load from the shoulder joint when extending and contracting the arm. 

Individuals with shoulder injuries could experience discomfort or risk exacerbating their injury when attempting this exercise. 

You should consult with a physical therapist before performing the exercise if you have existing shoulder pain or injury.

Individuals With Elbow Issues

Individuals with elbow issues such as tendonitis have a reduced range of motion and are prone to pain in this region. The standing banded overhead tricep extension places stress on the elbow joint and surrounding tendons. It requires support from these areas when extending and contracting the arm.

Individuals with existing elbow injuries could risk making their condition worse or delaying recovery when performing this exercise. Refrain from the standing banded overhead extension if you have an elbow injury before consulting with a physical therapist.

Benefits Of The Exercise

Facilitates Greater Muscle Engagement 

The standing banded overhead tricep extension is a valuable exercise for isolating the triceps, anterior deltoid, and wrist flexors. It facilitates greater muscle engagement due to the use of a resistance band for constant tension.

The resistance band provides variable resistance which increases the demand on the target muscles when stretched. Additionally, the shortening and lengthening of the muscles require increased control by the target muscles for stability. This ensures there is continuous tension throughout all phases of the movement.

Program this exercise into a functional strength routine or upper body workout to improve upper arm strength and stability.

Builds Strength 

The standing banded overhead tricep extension is an effective upper arm strength-building exercise. It isolates the triceps brachii, anterior deltoid, wrist flexors, and extensors. This allows for increased muscle strengthening and activation to maintain controlled movement against resistance.

The standing banded tricep extension utilizes progressive overload through muscle isolation and targeted intensity to build strength. The resistance band provides constant tension to the targeted muscles increasing hypertrophy and focusing on the triceps as prime movers.

By incorporating this exercise into your routine, you can effectively build strength and develop your triceps and supporting muscles. This makes it a valuable addition to an upper-arm or full-body workout for increased muscle control and strength.

*Expert tip: Pairing this exercise with another bicep or tricep exercise promotes muscle hypertrophy.

Supports Joint Health

Improved tricep strength aids in stabilizing the elbow and shoulder joints during upper arm extension and flexion. These joints are used constantly for everyday activities and functional movements like lifting your child or pulling a door open. By programming the standing banded overhead tricep extension into your routine, you will strengthen your triceps and improve elbow stabilization. This ultimately will benefit your overall upper body functional strength and stability, reducing the potential for joint injuries.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the standing banded overhead tricep extension target?

The standing banded overhead tricep extension primarily targets the tricep muscles as they contract to raise and lower the band. There is secondary engagement of the anterior deltoid, wrist flexors, and extensors providing support to the triceps throughout the movement.

How effective are standing banded overhead tricep extensions?

Standing banded overhead tricep extensions are very beneficial for strengthening the triceps and improving elbow joint stability and control. The resistance band ensures constant tension during all phases, increasing the exercise’s effectiveness.

How many reps should I do for standing banded overhead tricep extensions?

The number of reps per set to perform depends on your fitness goals and level of experience. It is generally recommended to do 4–6 reps for strength, 8–12 reps for muscle hypertrophy, and 15–20 reps for endurance.

How often should I do standing banded overhead tricep extensions?

The frequency of performing the exercise depends on your routine but best practice is 2–3 times per week. Ensure to include at least 48 hours of recovery between workouts to prevent overtraining and injury.

Resources

Endomondo.com refrains from utilizing tertiary references. We uphold stringent sourcing criteria and depend on peer-reviewed studies and academic research conducted by medical associations and institutions. For more detailed insights, you can explore further by reading our editorial process.

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