Dumbbell Standing Kickback

Strengthen your triceps with the dumbbell standing kickback. This isolation exercise targets the back of your upper arms for defined, sculpted muscles.

Intermediate
Isolation
Push
1 min per set1 min rest

Description

A strength exercise where you hold a dumbbell in each hand, bend over slightly, and kickback the weights behind you.

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How to Do Dumbbell Standing Kickback

  1. 1
    Setup

    Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, holding a dumbbell in each hand with a neutral grip. Hinge forward slightly at your hips, keeping your back straight and core engaged, until your torso is nearly parallel to the floor.

  2. 2
    Setup

    Bend your elbows to 90 degrees, pinning your upper arms close to your sides and parallel to the floor. Your forearms should hang straight down with the dumbbells.

  3. 3

    Exhale as you extend your elbows, contracting your triceps to "kick back" the dumbbells directly behind you. Focus on moving only your forearms and keeping your upper arms stationary.

  4. 4

    Fully extend your arms until your triceps are completely contracted and your arms are straight. Hold this peak contraction briefly.

  5. 5

    Inhale as you slowly and controllably return the dumbbells to the starting position, allowing your forearms to hang vertically again. Maintain tension in your triceps throughout the eccentric phase.

Tips

  • Keep your upper arms stationary throughout the movement; only your forearms should move to isolate the triceps effectively.
  • Focus on a strong contraction at the top of the movement, squeezing your triceps as if trying to touch the back of your arms together.
  • Control the eccentric (lowering) phase, resisting the weight as it returns to the starting position to maximize muscle engagement.
  • Choose a weight that allows you to maintain strict form; using too heavy a weight will often lead to swinging and shoulder involvement.

Common Mistakes

  • ×Swinging the weights using momentum instead of triceps strength; fix this by lowering the weight and focusing on a controlled, deliberate extension.
  • ×Allowing the upper arms to drop or move away from the body; fix this by pinning your elbows tightly to your sides and keeping your upper arms parallel to the floor.
  • ×Arching your lower back excessively; fix this by engaging your core and maintaining a slight hinge at the hips with a flat back throughout the exercise.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What muscles does Dumbbell Standing Kickback work?
Dumbbell Standing Kickback primarily targets Triceps Brachii.
Is Dumbbell Standing Kickback good for beginners?
Dumbbell Standing Kickback 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 Dumbbell Standing Kickback?
You need Dumbbell to perform Dumbbell Standing Kickback. 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 Dumbbell Standing Kickback?
Keep your upper arms stationary throughout the movement; only your forearms should move to isolate the triceps effectively. Focus on a strong contraction at the top of the movement, squeezing your triceps as if trying to touch the back of your arms together. Control the eccentric (lowering) phase, resisting the weight as it returns to the starting position to maximize muscle engagement. Choose a weight that allows you to maintain strict form; using too heavy a weight will often lead to swinging and shoulder involvement.
What are common mistakes when doing Dumbbell Standing Kickback?
Swinging the weights using momentum instead of triceps strength; fix this by lowering the weight and focusing on a controlled, deliberate extension. Allowing the upper arms to drop or move away from the body; fix this by pinning your elbows tightly to your sides and keeping your upper arms parallel to the floor. Arching your lower back excessively; fix this by engaging your core and maintaining a slight hinge at the hips with a flat back throughout the exercise.

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Dumbbell Standing Kickback

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