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Dumbbell Rolling Tricep Extension

Intermediate
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A dumbbell extension variation that combines tricep lowering with a rolling pullover motion to stretch and target the triceps long head for arm strength and hypertrophy.

About Exercise

Equipment

Dumbbells, Flat Bench

Difficulty

3/5 • Intermediate

Primary Muscle Groups

Triceps

Secondary Muscles

Shoulders, Forearms

Accessory Muscles

Chest

Popularity Score

5

Goals

Hypertrophy
Strength

Training Style

Bodybuilding

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

Yes

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Small

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Triceps

10/10

Long Head, Lateral Head, Medial Head

Shoulders

4/10

Anterior Delts

Forearms

3/10

Flexors

Chest

2/10
Programming

Typical Rep Range

8-15 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-90 seconds

How to Perform

Lie supine on a flat bench or floor with feet flat. Grip dumbbells neutrally and extend arms straight above your chest.

  1. Bend elbows to lower dumbbells toward your head while keeping upper arms fixed.
  2. Allow upper arms to roll slightly overhead, stretching triceps until dumbbells are parallel to floor.
  3. Pull elbows forward from stretched position.
  4. Extend elbows fully to press dumbbells back above chest.
  5. Repeat for reps, controlling each phase.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Tuck elbows close to body
  • Control the roll smoothly
  • Squeeze triceps at top
  • Maintain neutral wrists

Breathing

Inhale during lowering and rolling phases; exhale as you press upward. Brace core throughout.

Tempo

3-1-1

Range of Motion

Lower until forearms are parallel to floor; roll until dumbbells align with torso in stretch; extend to full lockout without hyperextension.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Avoid if acute elbow or shoulder pain present
  • Start with light weights to master form
  • Keep spine neutral; engage core
  • Stop if joint discomfort occurs

Spotting

Spotting not typically needed; use safeties if heavy loads or for beginners.

Common Mistakes

  • Flaring elbows outward
  • Using momentum to swing weights
  • Overextending neck or spine
  • Locking elbows fully at top

When to Avoid

  • Acute elbow tendonitis
  • Shoulder impingement
  • Recent elbow or shoulder injury

Flexibility Needed

  • Adequate shoulder flexion for overhead reach
  • Wrist neutral grip comfort

Build Up First

  • Mastery of basic tricep extension
  • Stable supine position control

Also known as

Rolling Dumbbell Extension, Dumbbell Tricep Pullover Extension, Rolling Skull Crusher

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