Barbell Tricep Extension vs Dumbbell Tricep Extension

Which one fits your Triceps workout plan?

Contents

Planfit users log Dumbbell Tricep Extension more often — 26,196 sessions vs 765. Compare Triceps form, muscles worked, and when to use each.

Compare the benefits of Barbell Tricep Extension and Dumbbell Tricep Extension and pick the one that fits your Triceps workout.

Barbell Tricep Extension vs Dumbbell Tricep Extension: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?

Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Dumbbell Tricep Extension more often — 26,196 sessions compared to 765 for Barbell Tricep Extension.

What most people do isn't always what fits you. Barbell Tricep Extension and Dumbbell Tricep Extension differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.

How Barbell Tricep Extension and Dumbbell Tricep Extension Differ

What differsBarbell Tricep ExtensionDumbbell Tricep Extension
Equipmenta barbella dumbbell
Difficulty5 of 52 of 5
Sessions logged by Planfit users765 sessions26,196 sessions

Related comparisons

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How to Do Barbell Tricep Extension

Barbell Tricep Extension demo video

Barbell Tricep Extension Muscles Worked: Triceps

Form

  1. 1. Keep your elbows fixed and lower your arms behind your head.
  2. 2. After lowering them behind your head, slowly return to the starting position.

Coach's Tips

  1. 1. Please be careful not to let your elbows flare out.
  2. 2. Please be careful not to overextend your arms.

For a full Barbell Tricep Extension guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Barbell Tricep Extension exercise guide.

Want to learn more about Barbell Tricep Extension?Exercise Guide

How to Do Dumbbell Tricep Extension

Dumbbell Tricep Extension demo video

Dumbbell Tricep Extension Muscles Worked: Triceps

Form

  1. 1. Please stretch your arms above your head.
  2. 2. Slowly return to the starting position while bearing the weight.

Coach's Tips

  1. 1. Please be careful not to let your elbows flare out.
  2. 2. Please be careful not to overextend your arms.
  3. 3. Please be careful not to let the dumbbell move too far from your head.

For a full Dumbbell Tricep Extension guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Dumbbell Tricep Extension exercise guide.

Want to learn more about Dumbbell Tricep Extension?Exercise Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better for Triceps, Barbell Tricep Extension or Dumbbell Tricep Extension?

Planfit users log Dumbbell Tricep Extension more often — 26,196 sessions against 765 for Barbell Tricep Extension. Both train Triceps, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.

What equipment do Barbell Tricep Extension and Dumbbell Tricep Extension need?

Barbell Tricep Extension needs a barbell, and Dumbbell Tricep Extension needs a dumbbell.

Which is easier to start with?

Dumbbell Tricep Extension is the easier place to start. Move to Barbell Tricep Extension once your form holds up.

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