All Exercises

Triceps Stretch

Effectively stretch your triceps brachii to improve upper arm flexibility and reduce muscle tension.

Beginner
Isolation
Static
30s per set10s rest

Description

A simple stretching exercise for the triceps muscles that can be done standing or sitting, where you raise your arm and bend it so that your hand is reaching towards the opposite side.

How to Do Triceps Stretch

  1. 1
    Setup

    Stand or sit tall with a neutral spine and relaxed shoulders.

  2. 2
    Setup

    Raise one arm directly overhead, then bend your elbow so your hand drops behind your head towards your upper back.

  3. 3

    With your free hand, gently grasp the elbow of the raised arm.

  4. 4

    Gently pull the elbow downwards and slightly towards your head, feeling a stretch in the posterior aspect of your upper arm.

  5. 5

    Hold this position for the desired duration, then slowly release and repeat the stretch with the other arm.

Tips

  • Breathe deeply throughout the stretch to help relax your muscles and deepen your flexibility.
  • Keep your core engaged and avoid arching your lower back or shrugging your shoulders to isolate the triceps effectively.
  • Only pull until you feel a mild to moderate stretch, never pushing to the point of pain.
  • For a deeper stretch, imagine trying to touch your hand further down your back, focusing on lengthening the triceps.

Common Mistakes

  • ×Rounding your upper back or hunching your shoulders reduces the effectiveness of the triceps stretch; instead, maintain an upright posture with your chest open.
  • ×Forcing the stretch too aggressively can cause discomfort or injury; only apply gentle, steady pressure.
  • ×Letting the elbow flare out to the side diminishes the stretch on the triceps; keep the elbow pointing forward as much as possible.

Variations

Related Exercises

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