Overhead Tricep Extension with a Dumbbell

The triceps are an important muscle group to strengthen, and there are a couple of ways that you can strengthen them. This particular exercise will be an overhead tricep extension. It's a little more challenging than the extensions done in a bent-over position because it requires a little larger range of motion for your shoulders. I'm going to use one dumbbell. You'll simply stand in place, make sure that your feet are anchored to the floor, and then reach the dumbbell up overhead. Holding tightly with your arms straight to start, you'll bend your elbows, trying to keep your biceps close to your ears, and then squeeze your triceps to extend straight up overhead. You should notice a stretch in your triceps as you bend your elbows, and a contraction in your triceps as you reach back up. You'll do this a couple of times, and if you'd like to get a little bit more challenged, take only one hand to the dumbbell and release the other one to your side, bending your elbow and pressing back up. Anytime you're only working one side at a time, you need a little bit more work in your stability muscles, both the ones that surround your shoulder and also your core that holds your upper body completely still and strong. Make sure to do both sides before returning the dumbbell down to your side and finishing.