Arms
The main area this variation is designed to train.
Exercise guide
Reverse Triceps Bench Press
Learn how to do the Reverse Triceps Bench Press exercise, which muscles it works, the equipment you need, and common mistakes to avoid.
Barbell
Use this to decide whether the movement fits your current setup.
Intermediate
A quick checkpoint for how simple or technical the movement usually feels.
Arms
Secondary support can come from other nearby stabilizers depending on how you perform the movement.
Strength
Movement pattern: elbow extension. This is more of an isolation-focused exercise.
Learning and repeating well
Use this page to understand the setup first, then track the movement consistently in Logbook once it fits your program.
Instructions
How to do Reverse Triceps Bench Press
Keep the setup simple, use a controlled pace, and repeat the same movement pattern each rep.
- Lie back on a flat bench. Using a close, supinated grip (around shoulder width), lift the bar from the rack and hold it straight over you with your arms locked extended in front of you and perpendicular to the floor. This will be your starting position.
- As you breathe in, come down slowly until you feel the bar on your middle chest. Tip: Make sure that as opposed to a regular bench press, you keep the elbows close to the torso at all times in order to maximize triceps involvement.
- After a second pause, bring the bar back to the starting position as you breathe out and push the bar using your triceps muscles. Lock your arms in the contracted position, hold for a second and then start coming down slowly again. Tip: It should take at least twice as long to go down than to come up.
- Repeat the movement for the prescribed amount of repetitions.
- When you are done, place the bar back in the rack.
Benefits
- Builds strength and control through the arms region.
- Makes it easier to focus on one area when you want extra practice or volume.
- Gives you a repeatable way to track progress inside Logbook over time.
Common mistakes
- Using more weight or speed than you can control cleanly.
- Cutting the range of motion short and rushing through the reps.
- Changing your body position between reps instead of keeping the movement repeatable.
Related workouts
Workout templates that use this exercise.
If you want to see this movement inside a more complete training session, start here.
3-Day Full Body Split
A three-day split that spreads total weekly work across three full-body sessions.
View workout3-Day Full Body Split
A three-day split that spreads total weekly work across three full-body sessions.
View workout4-Day Upper Lower Split
A simple four-day split that gives each half of the body two quality sessions each week.
View workout4-Day Upper Lower Split
A simple four-day split that gives each half of the body two quality sessions each week.
View workoutRelated exercises
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Use these when you want a similar movement pattern, a different setup, or more exercise options for the same target area.
Reverse Triceps Bench Press
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View exerciseRelated tools
Related calculators for this exercise.
Use these calculators when you want to connect the exercise itself to calories, protein, strength targets, or training volume.
FAQ
Common questions about Reverse Triceps Bench Press.
Use these answers as a practical starting point, then adjust based on your setup, comfort, and goals.
What muscles does Reverse Triceps Bench Press work?
Reverse Triceps Bench Press mainly works the arms. It can also involve supporting muscles around the same region depending on your setup and range of motion.
Is Reverse Triceps Bench Press beginner-friendly?
It is listed as intermediate, so newer lifters may want to start lighter or use a simpler variation first.
What equipment do I need for Reverse Triceps Bench Press?
You will usually need Barbell for this variation.
How should I progress Reverse Triceps Bench Press?
Start by making the reps smoother and more repeatable. Once the whole set looks controlled, add a small amount of load or one extra rep at a time.
Track this exercise for free in Logbook.
Once the movement is in your plan, use Logbook to record sets, reps, load, and progress without guessing what happened last week.