Lever Triceps Extension

Also known as: machine triceps extension

Beginner

Triceps

Leverage Machine

Use a fixed machine groove to build triceps mass behind every press: Lever Triceps Extension finishes an arm session cleanly.

How to do Lever Triceps Extension

Adjust the seat height and position yourself on the machine with your back against the pad.
Grasp the handles with an overhand grip and fully extend your arms in front of you.
Keeping your upper arms stationary, slowly lower the handles towards your forehead by bending your elbows.
Pause for a moment at the bottom, then push the handles back up to the starting position by extending your arms.
Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

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Lever Triceps Extension Sets and Reps by Goal

Strength

3 sets of 5-6 reps with 2-3 minutes of rest. Add one plate only when the full range stays smooth.

Hypertrophy

3 sets of 10-12 reps with 90 seconds of rest. Control the return instead of letting the stack drop.

Endurance

2-3 sets of 15-18 reps with 45-60 seconds of rest. Match the seat and pad settings every session.

Common Lever Triceps Extension Mistakes

Letting the weight stack crash on the way back

Control the return for the same count as the working phase.

Slamming into lockout and jarring the elbow

Finish firm but stop just short of a hard snap at the top.

Easier and Harder Than Lever Triceps Extension

Harder progression

Barbell Lying Triceps Extension Skull Crusher

Swap Lever Triceps Extension For

Body-up

Cable Concentration Extension (on Knee)

Dumbbell Standing Bent Over Two Arm Triceps Extension

Lever Triceps Extension — Frequently Asked Questions

How do you do the Lever Triceps Extension?

Adjust the seat height and position yourself on the machine with your back against the pad. Grasp the handles with an overhand grip and fully extend your arms in front of you. Keeping your upper arms stationary, slowly lower the handles towards your forehead by bending your elbows. Use a leverage machine and keep the movement controlled through the full range. The animated GIF above shows the complete rep at normal speed.

What muscles does the Lever Triceps Extension work?

The Lever Triceps Extension primarily targets the triceps. It is classified as a arms exercise and is performed with a leverage machine.

How many sets and reps of the Lever Triceps Extension should I do?

For muscle growth: 3 sets of 10-12 reps with 90 seconds of rest. Control the return instead of letting the stack drop. Adjust the load rather than the rep target if form breaks down before the final rep.

Is the Lever Triceps Extension good for beginners?

Yes. The Lever Triceps Extension is a beginner-level movement, so it is a reasonable place to start. Keep the load light enough that you can control every rep and stop 2-3 reps short of failure while you learn the pattern.

What can I do instead of the Lever Triceps Extension?

Try the Body-up, Cable Concentration Extension (on Knee) or the Dumbbell Standing Bent Over Two Arm Triceps Extension. Each trains the triceps with a similar movement pattern, so you can swap based on the equipment you have available.

Is the Lever Triceps Extension the same as the machine triceps extension?

Yes. The Lever Triceps Extension is also commonly called the machine triceps extension. Different gyms and training programs label it differently, but "machine triceps extension" refer to this same movement.