Exercise guide
Lever Overhead Triceps Extension
- Intermediate
- Isolation
- Rep-based
- Shoulders
- Upper arms
This isolation exercise targets the long head of the triceps by placing the muscle in a fully lengthened position, providing a deep stretch and constant tension throughout the movement.
Reviewed by the Crucible Fit team · Updated June 2026
Muscles worked
Setup
- Adjust the seat height so that your shoulders align comfortably with the machine's pivot point.
- Sit firmly with your back against the pad and feet flat on the floor for stability.
- Reach back and grasp the handles with a neutral grip (palms facing each other).
- Position your elbows tucked in close to your head, pointing forward.
How to do it
- Exhale as you extend your arms upward by contracting your triceps until your elbows are nearly locked out.
- Squeeze your triceps at the top of the movement for one second.
- Inhale as you slowly lower the weight back to the starting position, feeling a deep stretch in the back of your arms.
- Maintain a controlled tempo, taking approximately 2 seconds to lift and 2 seconds to lower.
Form checklist
- Keep your elbows stationary and pointed forward throughout the entire set.
- Maintain a neutral spine and avoid arching your lower back off the seat pad.
- Ensure the movement occurs only at the elbow joint, keeping the shoulders stable.
- Use a full range of motion, allowing the handles to descend until you feel a complete stretch.
Pro tips
- Focus on the mind-muscle connection by imagining you are pushing the handles away from your body using only your forearms.
- Pause for a split second at the bottom of the rep to emphasize the weighted stretch, which is highly effective for tricep hypertrophy.
Make it harder
- Slow down the eccentric (lowering) phase to 4 seconds to increase time under tension.
- Perform 'constant tension' reps by stopping just short of full lockout at the top and just before the weights touch at the bottom.
Frequently asked
- What muscles does the lever overhead triceps extension work?
- The lever overhead triceps extension primarily targets the triceps, and also works the abs and obliques as secondary muscles.
- What equipment do you need for the lever overhead triceps extension?
- The lever overhead triceps extension uses leverage machine.
- Is the lever overhead triceps extension good for beginners?
- The lever overhead triceps extension is rated intermediate. Build a base with simpler variations first, then progress to it with light load and strict form.