How to Do Lying Close-Grip Barbell Triceps Extension Behind The Head
Start and end of one clean rep of Lying Close-Grip Barbell Triceps Extension Behind The Head.
Quick facts
| Primary muscle | Triceps |
|---|---|
| Secondary muscles | — |
| Equipment | Barbell |
| Category | Strength |
How to perform Lying Close-Grip Barbell Triceps Extension Behind The Head
- While holding a barbell or EZ Curl bar with a pronated grip (palms facing forward), lie on your back on a flat bench with your head close to the end of the bench. Tip: If you are holding a barbell grab it using a shoulder-width grip and if you are using an E-Z Bar grab it on the inner handles.
- Extend your arms in front of you and slowly bring the bar back in a semi circular motion (while keeping the arms extended) to a position over your head. At the end of this step your arms should be overhead and parallel to the floor. This will be your starting position. Tip: Keep your elbows in at all times.
- As you inhale, lower the bar by bending at the elbows and while keeping the upper arm stationary. Keep lowering the bar until your forearms are perpendicular to the floor.
- As you exhale bring the bar back up to the starting position by pushing the bar up in a semi-circular motion until the lower arms are also parallel to the floor. Contract the triceps hard at the top of the movement for a second. Tip: Again, only the forearms should move. The upper arms should remain stationary at all times.
- Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Muscles worked
- Triceps (primary): straightens the elbow to lock out every press and pushdown.
Sets & reps by goal
| Goal | Sets × reps | Load | Rest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strength | 3–5 × 3–5 | Heavy (~85%+) | 2–3 min |
| Hypertrophy | 3–4 × 8–12 | Moderate (~65–75%) | 60–90 s |
| Endurance | 2–3 × 15–20 | Lighter (~50–60%) | 30–45 s |
Pick the row that matches your goal. If you're newer, anchor in the hypertrophy range while you groove the form.
Form tips
- Fix the elbows in place and let only the forearms move, keeping the load on the triceps.
- Keep the bar path close and stacked over your mid-foot; letting it drift forward wastes force and loads the lower back.
- Treat every rep the same — a repeatable setup and bar path is what lets you add weight safely over time.
- Stop a rep or two short of failure on most sets to keep form clean and recover faster.
Common mistakes
- Letting the elbows flare and drift forward so the shoulders quietly take over.
- Loading the bar heavier than your form allows and turning strict reps into a whole-body heave.
- Chasing weight jumps before the current load feels solid on every rep.
Frequently asked questions
What muscles does Lying Close-Grip Barbell Triceps Extension Behind The Head work?
Lying Close-Grip Barbell Triceps Extension Behind The Head is a focused movement that primarily works the triceps.
What equipment do I need for Lying Close-Grip Barbell Triceps Extension Behind The Head?
Lying Close-Grip Barbell Triceps Extension Behind The Head needs a barbell and plates (plus a rack or bench where the movement calls for one).
How many sets and reps should I do for Lying Close-Grip Barbell Triceps Extension Behind The Head?
It depends on your goal: about 3–5 sets of 3–5 heavy reps for strength, 3–4 sets of 8–12 for muscle growth, or 2–3 sets of 15–20 for endurance. Pick the row that matches your goal. If you're newer, anchor in the hypertrophy range while you groove the form.
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