4 Ways to Work Triceps at Home
By Ehren Allen, PT/Certified Orthopedic Manual Therapist
What is the Best Tricep Workout?
With a little motivation, you can still work those Triceps at home. Let’s face it, everyone wants to sculpt the backs of their arms. There are 4 ways you can work your Triceps from home with very little investment.
The Triceps are the muscles in the rear portion of your upper arms. When they contract, they help to extend the elbow. They also work to extend the shoulder in some positions.

Elbow anatomy
For these exercises, you will need an exercise resistance band. You can find them online and they are not too expensive. A 4 pack of Resistance Bands, like the ones used in these Triceps exercises, may cost between $40 and $65. The resistance varies depending on the width. For Triceps exercises, choose the band that fits your strength level.

Image of a woman working out at home.
4 Ways to Work Triceps from Home
These 4 exercises can be performed anywhere in your home, porch, garage, etc. You will need to find a secure place to attach the resistance band (something that can withhold the resistance). You can use a door handle in some cases to secure the band.

Image of how to attach a resistance band to a door handle.
1. Standing Triceps Push Downs

Image of a man doing standing triceps pushdowns, starting position.

Image of a man doing standing triceps pushdowns, extended position.
Start with the elbows at a 90-degree angle and next to the body. While gripping the resistance band, straighten the elbows but keep them next to the body. Then return them to the 90-degree position. Try to perform 10 to 12 reputations. Add sets as tolerated.
2. Overhead Triceps Extensions

Image of Overhead Triceps extensions, starting position.

Image of Overhead Triceps extensions, extended position.
Start with the arms up and in front of the body and the elbows bent to around 90-degrees. While gripping the resistance band, extend the elbows without moving the upper arm. Try to perform 10-12 reps. Add sets as tolerated.
3. Supine Triceps Push Downs

Image of supine triceps pushdowns, starting position.

Image of supine triceps pushdowns, extended position.
Start by lying on your back. You will need to attach the band to a secure object. I used a door handle as described above. Hold your arms upward with the elbows bent. The height of the band will determine the angle of the elbow starting position. It should be bent to near 90-degrees. Then extend the elbows, keeping the arms stationary in the air. Try to perform 10-12 reps. Add sets as tolerated.
4. Close Grip Push-Ups

Image of Close-grip push-ups, starting position.

Image of Close-grip push-ups, down position.
Start in a full plank position with the elbows extended. Keep the hands about shoulder-width apart. Then lower yourself toward the floor but keep the elbows next to the body. Then push yourself back up to the starting position. Be sure to keep the body straight during this exercise. If this is too difficult, start on your knees but continue to keep the body straight. Try to perform 10-12 reps. Add sets and reps as tolerated.
What if it Hurts When I Workout at Home?
As a physical therapist, I want to emphasize that if you have pain with any of these exercises, you should stop immediately. Muscle fatigue and soreness are typical symptoms but experiencing pain in the joints and tendons is not. If you have pain with these exercises, consider seeing a physician and/or physical therapist to assess the issue.
To learn more about anatomy and common injuries with exercise, view these educational anatomy videos

Tricep Muscles
Conclusion of Triceps Workout
You can still work on having horseshoe-shaped Triceps…. even from home. Try these exercises. Have patience! Muscle strength and conditioning take consistent work and time. You can do this!!
If you have any pain or problems with the shoulders or elbows with these exercises, the Jacksonville Orthopedic Institute is here to help. With world-class orthopedists and therapists, JOI has the answers for you!
Related Articles: Muscles of the Hand, Tricep Strain, Top 3 Shoulder Exercises and Shoulder Pain Can’t Wait.
To schedule for physical therapy at JOI Rehab, please call 904-858-7045.
If you would like to make an office or telemedicine appointment, call 904-JOI-2000, schedule online or click the link below. A new option, you can now schedule and cancel follow-up appointments with your physician at the JOI Patient Portal.
By: Ehren Allen, PT