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Resistance Band Overhead Tricep Extension

Beginner
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An isolation exercise using a resistance band held overhead to target the triceps, emphasizing the long head, for building arm strength and hypertrophy; suitable for home workouts with variable tension.

About Exercise

Equipment

Bands

Difficulty

2/5 • Beginner

Primary Muscle Groups

Triceps

Secondary Muscles

Shoulders, Abs

Accessory Muscles

Lower Back

Popularity Score

7

Goals

Strength
Hypertrophy

Training Style

Functional Training

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

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

Abs

3/10

Rectus Abdominis

Lower Back

2/10

Erector Spinae

Programming

Typical Rep Range

8-15 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-90 seconds

How to Perform

Stand on the center of a resistance band with feet shoulder-width apart. Grip the ends and position hands behind your head with elbows pointing upward.

  1. Brace your core and keep upper arms stationary.
  2. Exhale as you extend your elbows to push the band overhead until arms are nearly straight.
  3. Squeeze your triceps at the top.
  4. Inhale as you slowly bend your elbows to lower hands behind your head.
  5. Maintain tension in the band throughout.
  6. Repeat for reps while controlling the movement.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Elbows close to ears.
  • Upper arms fixed.
  • Full arm extension.
  • Control the descent.
  • Core tight.

Breathing

Inhale during the lowering phase and exhale as you extend your arms overhead. Brace your core before each rep.

Tempo

3-1-1

Range of Motion

Start with elbows bent so hands are at or behind the head; extend until arms are straight overhead without locking elbows.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Secure the band under both feet to prevent slippage.
  • Choose appropriate band tension for strict form.
  • Avoid locking elbows at the top.
  • Stop if you feel sharp elbow or shoulder pain.
  • Maintain neutral spine to protect lower back.

Spotting

Spotting not required; bands provide self-limiting resistance. Use a partner for form checks if new to the exercise.

Common Mistakes

  • Flaring elbows outward.
  • Arching the lower back.
  • Using shoulder momentum.
  • Incomplete range of motion.
  • Snapping the band quickly.

When to Avoid

  • Acute elbow pain
  • Shoulder impingement
  • Recent tricep strain

Flexibility Needed

  • Shoulder flexion to overhead position
  • Wrist extension for grip

Build Up First

  • Basic understanding of elbow extension
  • Ability to brace core while standing

Also known as

Overhead Band Tricep Extension, Banded Overhead Tricep Press, Resistance Band Tricep Pushdown Overhead, Band Triceps Extension Overhead

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