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Exercise

Ez Bar Lying Triceps Extension

Ez Bar Lying Triceps Extension
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Ez Bar Lying Triceps Extension

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How to Perform

  1. Lie on a flat bench with your feet planted firmly on the ground and grasp the EZ bar with an overhand grip, hands positioned at shoulder-width apart.
  2. Extend your arms toward the ceiling, positioning the bar directly above your chest with your elbows locked out.
  3. Keeping your upper arms stationary and perpendicular to the floor, slowly bend your elbows to lower the bar toward your forehead while inhaling.
  4. Allow your forearms to move through a full range of motion until the bar is just above your forehead, maintaining tight elbows that point toward the ceiling.
  5. Pause briefly at the bottom position, ensuring tension remains in your triceps and your wrists stay neutral.
  6. Press the weight back up by extending your elbows while exhaling, focusing on contracting your triceps muscles.
  7. Maintain a stable core and keep your shoulders pressed against the bench throughout the entire movement to prevent arching your back.
  8. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions, maintaining control especially during the lowering phase to maximize triceps engagement.

Important information

  • Keep your elbows pointed toward the ceiling throughout the entire movement to maintain proper form and target the triceps effectively.
  • Don't allow your elbows to flare outward or move forward during the exercise as this reduces triceps activation and increases shoulder strain.
  • Choose an appropriate weight that allows you to maintain strict form — using too heavy a load often leads to recruiting the shoulders and compromising technique.
  • If you experience elbow pain, consider modifying your grip width or switching to a variation that places less stress on the joint.

Exercise Details

Primary Muscles

Triceps

Muscle Groups

Arm exercises

Mechanic

Isolation

Risk Areas

Triceps

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The EZ Bar Lying Triceps Extension stands as a cornerstone movement for anyone serious about developing impressive triceps definition and strength. This intermediate-level exercise has earned its place in countless bodybuilding and strength training programs due to its remarkable effectiveness at isolating the triceps brachii (the three-headed muscle) that comprises roughly two-thirds of your upper arm mass. What makes this exercise particularly valuable is how it places the triceps under tension throughout the entire range of motion while minimizing stress on the wrists thanks to the angled grip of the EZ bar. The lying position creates a stable foundation that allows lifters to focus entirely on the controlled extension and contraction of the triceps without compensatory movements from other muscle groups. 

For bodybuilders, the EZ Bar Lying Triceps Extension delivers that coveted horseshoe appearance by targeting all three heads of the triceps. The overhead position particularly emphasizes the long head (the largest of the three) which is crucial for maximizing arm thickness when viewed from the side. Regular implementation of this movement contributes significantly to balanced arm development and improved pushing strength. Strength athletes appreciate this exercise for its carryover to pressing movements like the bench press and overhead press. By strengthening the triceps in their fully extended position, you're effectively addressing a common sticking point in many compound lifts. 

The isolated nature of this movement allows for targeted development that can help break through plateaus in your primary lifts. While relatively straightforward compared to complex compound movements, mastering the EZ Bar Lying Triceps Extension requires attention to proper form and weight selection. Many intermediate lifters find this exercise particularly beneficial when incorporated into the latter portion of their training sessions, after compound movements have pre-fatigued the larger muscle groups, allowing for more focused work on the triceps.

FAQ - Ez Bar Lying Triceps Extension

What muscles does the EZ Bar Lying Triceps Extension target?

This exercise primarily targets all three heads of the triceps brachii (long, lateral, and medial heads), with particular emphasis on the long head due to the overhead position. You'll also experience minor engagement of the anterior deltoids and core muscles for stabilization.

What are the most common form mistakes with this exercise?

The three most critical errors are allowing the hips to sag (losing the pike position), shoulders rolling forward (compromising joint safety), and excessive body wobbling due to poor core bracing. Focus on maintaining a straight line from hands to hips, keeping shoulders packed away from ears, and engaging your core throughout the movement.

How can I modify this exercise if I'm experiencing elbow pain?

If you're experiencing elbow discomfort, try using a lighter weight, limiting the range of motion to avoid full extension, or switching to a cable variation which provides more consistent tension. You might also benefit from using a closer grip on the EZ bar, which can reduce stress on the elbow joints.

How often should I include EZ Bar Lying Triceps Extensions in my workout routine?

Most intermediate lifters benefit from performing this exercise 1-2 times per week as part of a comprehensive triceps training program. Allow 48-72 hours of recovery between sessions targeting the same muscle group for optimal growth and to prevent overtraining.

How can I make this exercise more challenging as I progress?

As you build proficiency, you can increase difficulty by adding light resistance bands, extending the time under tension during each phase of the movement, or incorporating brief isometric holds at end ranges. Always prioritize quality of movement over intensity when progressing this exercise.

Alternative Exercises

Cable Overhead Triceps Extension

Cable Overhead Triceps Extension

The Cable Overhead Triceps Extension stands as a cornerstone movement for anyone serious about developing impressive triceps definition and functional pushing strength. This intermediate exercise targets the often-neglected long head of the triceps muscle, which contributes significantly to that coveted horseshoe appearance when properly developed. Unlike some isolation movements, this exercise allows for consistent tension throughout the range of motion, making it particularly effective for bodybuilders seeking that detailed separation between muscle groups. The cable mechanism provides steady resistance that free weights simply can't match, challenging your triceps from a fully stretched position to complete contraction. For strength enthusiasts, regular implementation of this movement can translate to improved performance in compound pushing exercises like bench press and military press. The stability demands of the overhead position also engage your core and shoulders as secondary stabilizers, creating a more integrated strength development approach while maintaining primary focus on the triceps. When incorporated into a well-designed upper body routine, this exercise serves as an excellent finisher after heavier compound movements have pre-exhausted the larger muscle groups. Bodybuilders particularly appreciate how the exercise allows for precise control over the contraction and peak tension points, enabling that crucial mind-muscle connection that drives hypertrophy. Many intermediate lifters find this movement bridges the gap between basic triceps work and more advanced techniques. The exercise responds well to various repetition schemes—whether you're pursuing the pump with higher reps or focusing on strength development with more moderate loading patterns. What makes the Cable Overhead Triceps Extension particularly valuable in a strength program is its ability to strengthen the triceps in a position that mimics overhead pressing motions. This carryover effect can help break through plateaus in military press and other overhead movements where triceps strength often becomes the limiting factor.

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