Barbell Tricep Extension vs One Arm Cable Tricep Extension

Which one fits your Triceps workout plan?

Contents

One Arm Cable Tricep Extension is the easier place to start — difficulty 2 of 5 vs 5. Compare Triceps form cues and when to progress.

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

Barbell Tricep Extension vs One Arm Cable Tricep Extension: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?

Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Barbell Tricep Extension more often — 765 sessions compared to 747 for One Arm Cable Tricep Extension.

What most people do isn't always what fits you. Barbell Tricep Extension and One Arm Cable 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 One Arm Cable Tricep Extension Differ

What differsBarbell Tricep ExtensionOne Arm Cable Tricep Extension
Equipmenta barbella machine
One side at a timeNoYes
Difficulty5 of 52 of 5
Sessions logged by Planfit users765 sessions747 sessions

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Not sure whether Barbell Tricep Extension or One Arm Cable Tricep Extension fits your goal? Get a personalized plan

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 One Arm Cable Tricep Extension

One Arm Cable Tricep Extension demo video

One Arm Cable Tricep Extension Muscles Worked: Triceps

Form

  1. Lower your arms in front of your thighs.
  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.

For a full One Arm Cable Tricep Extension guide with alternatives and benefits, see the One Arm Cable Tricep Extension exercise guide.

Want to learn more about One Arm Cable Tricep Extension?Exercise Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better for Triceps, Barbell Tricep Extension or One Arm Cable Tricep Extension?

Neither is clearly ahead — Planfit users log both at a similar rate. They both train Triceps, so the choice comes down to the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.

What equipment do Barbell Tricep Extension and One Arm Cable Tricep Extension need?

Barbell Tricep Extension needs a barbell, and One Arm Cable Tricep Extension needs a machine.

Which is easier to start with?

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

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