Barbell Seated Close grip Behind Neck Triceps Extension

Sculpt your triceps with the Barbell Seated Close Grip Behind Neck Triceps Extension.

Intermediate
Isolation
Push
1 min per set2 min rest

Description

A seated exercise that targets the triceps by extending the arms with a barbell held behind the neck.

Save Barbell Seated Close grip Behind Neck Triceps Extension to a routine

Log sets, reps, and weight as you train — free in the Ellim app.

Get Ellim — Free

How to Do Barbell Seated Close grip Behind Neck Triceps Extension

  1. 1
    Setup

    Sit upright on a flat bench, holding a barbell on your thighs with an overhand, close grip (6-8 inches apart).

  2. 2
    Setup

    Carefully press the barbell overhead, fully extending your arms, then lower it just behind your head by bending your elbows.

  3. 3
    Setup

    Your elbows should point forward, upper arms stable and perpendicular to the floor, with the barbell positioned just behind your head.

  4. 4

    Exhale as you powerfully extend your elbows, pressing the barbell straight overhead until your arms are fully extended without locking the joints.

  5. 5

    Inhale as you slowly and controlled lower the barbell back to the starting position behind your head, feeling the stretch in your triceps.

  6. 6

    Ensure your upper arms remain stationary throughout the movement, isolating the triceps for each repetition.

Tips

  • Keep your elbows tucked in and pointing forward throughout the movement to maximize triceps activation and protect your shoulder joints.
  • Control the eccentric (lowering) phase of the movement, taking 2-3 seconds to lower the barbell, to enhance muscle growth and minimize injury risk.
  • Achieve a full range of motion by lowering the barbell sufficiently behind your head for a deep triceps stretch and fully extending your arms at the top without locking.
  • If lifting heavy, consider having a spotter assist you in racking and unracking the barbell, and to help if you struggle during a repetition.

Common Mistakes

  • ×Flaring elbows outward reduces triceps isolation and can strain the shoulders; keep your elbows pointing forward and close to your head.
  • ×Using excessive momentum to lift the weight diminishes triceps engagement; focus on a slow, controlled contraction and extension, especially during the lowering phase.
  • ×Performing partial repetitions limits muscle development; ensure you lower the barbell fully behind your head for a complete stretch and extend your arms entirely at the top.

In the Ellim app, Barbell Seated Close grip Behind Neck Triceps Extension unlocks

Free — no subscription needed

  • Log sets, reps, and weight

    Track every set as you train

  • See your strength curve

    Performance graphs across all sessions

  • Add to a routine

    Save into a custom workout in one tap

  • Rest timer with Live Activity

    Dynamic Island countdown between sets

  • HealthKit sync

    Workouts flow to Apple Health

  • 3,500+ exercise library

    Search, filter, and pick variations offline

Ready to train barbell seated close grip behind neck triceps extension?

Get Ellim — Free

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Barbell Seated Close grip Behind Neck Triceps Extension good for beginners?
Barbell Seated Close grip Behind Neck Triceps Extension is rated intermediate. Beginners can still attempt it with lighter weight and careful form, but it's best to master easier variations first.
What equipment do I need for Barbell Seated Close grip Behind Neck Triceps Extension?
You need Barbell to perform Barbell Seated Close grip Behind Neck Triceps Extension. If you don't have this equipment, look for variations that target the same muscles with what you have available.
What are the best tips for Barbell Seated Close grip Behind Neck Triceps Extension?
Keep your elbows tucked in and pointing forward throughout the movement to maximize triceps activation and protect your shoulder joints. Control the eccentric (lowering) phase of the movement, taking 2-3 seconds to lower the barbell, to enhance muscle growth and minimize injury risk. Achieve a full range of motion by lowering the barbell sufficiently behind your head for a deep triceps stretch and fully extending your arms at the top without locking. If lifting heavy, consider having a spotter assist you in racking and unracking the barbell, and to help if you struggle during a repetition.
What are common mistakes when doing Barbell Seated Close grip Behind Neck Triceps Extension?
Flaring elbows outward reduces triceps isolation and can strain the shoulders; keep your elbows pointing forward and close to your head. Using excessive momentum to lift the weight diminishes triceps engagement; focus on a slow, controlled contraction and extension, especially during the lowering phase. Performing partial repetitions limits muscle development; ensure you lower the barbell fully behind your head for a complete stretch and extend your arms entirely at the top.

Track every rep of Barbell Seated Close grip Behind Neck Triceps Extension.

Watch your weight climb session by session. See your strength curve. Add it to a routine you'll actually run.

Get Ellim — Free

Ready to train?

Barbell Seated Close grip Behind Neck Triceps Extension

Get Ellim — Free