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Mastering Tricep Growth: How to Hit ALL 3 Heads simultaneously

Megan Aug 11, 2026

Reaching all three heads of your triceps, the long, lateral, and medial heads, is crucial for complete arm development and strength. These three heads are responsible for different movements, and ensuring they're all properly stimulated will give you those coveted horseshoe muscles and improved functionality.

Grow your triceps by training all three heads. πŸ’ͺπŸ”₯
Grow your triceps by training all three heads. πŸ’ͺπŸ”₯

Before we delve into exercises that target each head, let's briefly understand their functions. The long head is involved in elbow extension and shoulder adduction; the lateral head extends and adducts the arm, and the medial head extends andDataset.

Hit All Three Triceps Heads With These Exercises by IG:@williamli (Creator)
Hit All Three Triceps Heads With These Exercises by IG:@williamli (Creator)

Targeting the Long Head

The long head is the primary tricep muscle and makes up about two-thirds of the total tricep mass. It's engaged in compound movements like dips and chinups, but isolation exercises like overhead extensions are also effective.

a man with headphones on holding his hands up in the air while looking at something
a man with headphones on holding his hands up in the air while looking at something

However, isolating the long head can be challenging due to the need to involve the shoulders. A balanced approach that includes both compound and isolation movements is usually the best strategy.

Overhead Dumbbell Extensions

The Best Dumbbell Tricep Exercise (TO HIT ALL 3 HEADS)
The Best Dumbbell Tricep Exercise (TO HIT ALL 3 HEADS)

This exercise directly targets the long head. Sit on a bench and hold a dumbbell with both hands behind your head. Keeping your elbows close to your ears, raise the dumbbell straight up until your arms are fully extended. Lower it slowly back down.

To increase intensity, you can do single-arm overhead dumbbell extensions. This version places more emphasis on the long head and challenges your balance and stability.

Close-Grip Bench Press

Full Tricep Workout for MASSIVE Arms (HIT ALL 3 HEADS!) | V SHRED
Full Tricep Workout for MASSIVE Arms (HIT ALL 3 HEADS!) | V SHRED

This compound movement works the triceps heavily, particularly the long head. By using a closer grip (shoulder-width apart or narrower), you shift emphasis from your chest to your triceps.

Using an EZ-bar or parallel bars for this exercise can further accentuate the long head engagement, as they keep your elbows closer to your body throughout the movement.

Targeting the Lateral and Medial Heads

a white man with an orange ball in his hand is doing exercises on a machine
a white man with an orange ball in his hand is doing exercises on a machine

The lateral and medial heads help extend the forearm. They work together in most tricep exercises, but certain movements emphasize them more than others.

To target these heads effectively, focus on exercises that involve elbow extension with the arm in a pronated (palms facing down) or neutral position.

Bodyweight Triceps Workout – Hit All 3 Heads
Bodyweight Triceps Workout – Hit All 3 Heads
Here’s how πŸ‘‡
Here’s how πŸ‘‡
Unlock Your Horseshoe Triceps! πŸ”‘ How to Target All 3 Heads in One Workout.  You have three tricep heads, but are you training all of them? 🀯 If you want that full, horseshoe-shaped arm, you need to hit the Long, Lateral, and Medial heads with the right movements.  πŸ”₯ Here is the muscle targeting breakdown:  Long Head (The Mass Builder): Needs overhead movements (like extensions) because it attaches at the shoulder. Think stretch.  Lateral Head (The Horseshoe): Gets activated with movements whe... Bodyweight Back Workout, Work Out Routines Gym, Workout Gym Routine, Bodybuilding Workout Plan, Best Gym Workout, Triceps Workout, Gym Routine, Gym Workout Videos, Gym Workout Tips
Unlock Your Horseshoe Triceps! πŸ”‘ How to Target All 3 Heads in One Workout. You have three tricep heads, but are you training all of them? 🀯 If you want that full, horseshoe-shaped arm, you need to hit the Long, Lateral, and Medial heads with the right movements. πŸ”₯ Here is the muscle targeting breakdown: Long Head (The Mass Builder): Needs overhead movements (like extensions) because it attaches at the shoulder. Think stretch. Lateral Head (The Horseshoe): Gets activated with movements whe... Bodyweight Back Workout, Work Out Routines Gym, Workout Gym Routine, Bodybuilding Workout Plan, Best Gym Workout, Triceps Workout, Gym Routine, Gym Workout Videos, Gym Workout Tips
Dumbbell Exercises for Stronger Triceps
Dumbbell Exercises for Stronger Triceps
Triceps Workout Tips πŸ’ͺπŸ’₯πŸ”₯πŸ’―
Triceps Workout Tips πŸ’ͺπŸ’₯πŸ”₯πŸ’―
The Best Dumbbell Tricep Exercise (TO HIT ALL 3 HEADS)
The Best Dumbbell Tricep Exercise (TO HIT ALL 3 HEADS)
Tone Your Arms Fast | Overhead Dumbbell Triceps Extension Workout
Tone Your Arms Fast | Overhead Dumbbell Triceps Extension Workout
Best Dumbbell Triceps Exercises for Mass
Best Dumbbell Triceps Exercises for Mass
Ultimate Guide to Building Triceps
Ultimate Guide to Building Triceps

Skull Crushers

Named for their resemblance to an execution, this exercise effectively targets the lateral and medial heads. Lie on a bench with a barbell held above your chest. Lower the barbell to your forehead in a smooth arc, keeping your elbows tucked in, then push it back up.

Using an EZ-bar or dumbbells can make this exercise more comfortable and help keep your elbows from flaring out, which reduces stress on the shoulder joints.

Dips

Bodyweight dips are an excellent compound movement that works all three tricep heads, but they emphasize the lateral and medial heads more due to the pronated grip.

To vary intensity, you can change the width of your grip. A closer grip increases the emphasis on the triceps, while a wider grip shifts more focus to the chest. You can also add weight with a dip belt or resistance bands.

Remember, well-rounded arm development comes from balanced training. Ensure you're also working your biceps and forearms, and don't neglect the other muscle groups. Regularly review and adjust your exercises to keep your triceps challenged and growing. happy lifting!