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Lateral Head Tricep DB Exercises

Megan Aug 11, 2026

Targeting the lateral head of the tricep muscles is crucial for balanced upper arm development and improved strength for pushing movements. Dumbbell exercises are an excellent tool for isolating and engaging these muscles. Let's delve into the world of lateral head tricep db exercises, exploring their benefits, proper form, and varioustypes to incorporate into your workout routine.

Best Lateral Head Tricep Exercises
Best Lateral Head Tricep Exercises

Before embarking on these exercises, it's essential to understand the anatomy of the tricep muscles. The triceps brachii comprises three heads: the long, medial, and lateral heads. The lateral head is responsible for the horse-shoe shape at the back of your arm, and it's this muscle we'll focus on engaging with our dumbbell exercises.

Grow your triceps by training all three heads. 💪🔥
Grow your triceps by training all three heads. 💪🔥

Dumbbell Overhead Tricep Extensions

One of the most effective exercises for targeting the lateral head of the triceps is the dumbbell overhead tricep extension. This compound movement not only works the triceps but also engages the shoulders and chest for added stability and strength gains.

TOP 4 TRICEPS WORKOUT AT GYM  / LONG HEAD LATERAL HEAD MEDIAL HEAD TRICEPS
TOP 4 TRICEPS WORKOUT AT GYM / LONG HEAD LATERAL HEAD MEDIAL HEAD TRICEPS

To perform this exercise, sit on a bench or stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Hold a dumbbell with both hands over your head, arms fully extended. Slowly lower the weight behind your head by bending your elbows, keeping them close to your ears. Exhale as you push the weight back up to the starting position, contracting the triceps muscles.

Dumbbell Overhead Tricep Extension: Form and Variations

Here’s how 👇
Here’s how 👇

Key to this exercise is keeping your elbows in line with your forearms throughout the movement. Avoid flaring your elbows as this can shift the focus to other muscle groups. For a more intense workout, try the one-armed variation, which challenges your core stability and isolation of the working arm.

To perform this variation, use a lighter weight and hold the dumbbell with one hand. Extend your arm fully over your head before lowering the weight behind your back. Complete the desired repetitions on one side before switching to the other arm.

Dumbbell Plate Punches

Defined Triceps Workout | Build Sharper, Stronger Arms
Defined Triceps Workout | Build Sharper, Stronger Arms

A more dynamic exercise to target the lateral head of the triceps is the dumbbell plate punch. This exercise not only works the triceps but also engages your core and shoulders for increased functional strength.

To perform dumbbell plate punches, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, holding a dumbbell in each hand at your sides. Keeping your elbows pinned to your ribs, punch the weight forward and upwards, fully extending your arms. Return to the starting position with control, maintaining the tension in your triceps. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions, alternating arms for a continuous flow.

Dumbbell Tricep Kickbacks

Curious About How To Effectively Engage The Lateral Head Of Your Triceps? Body | Workout | Gym
Curious About How To Effectively Engage The Lateral Head Of Your Triceps? Body | Workout | Gym

Another excellent exercise for targeting the lateral head of the triceps is the dumbbell tricep kickback. This isolation movement is perfect for maximizing muscle engagement and corrected muscle imbalances.

To perform a dumbbell tricep kickback, support yourself on a bench or chair with one hand, keeping your back parallel to the floor. Hold a dumbbell in your other hand, with your elbow bent at a 90-degree angle and close to your side. Gradually extend your elbow, lifting the dumbbell behind you until your arm is fully extended. Keep your elbow stationary and close to your body throughout the movement.

a man wearing a baseball cap and holding his hand up in front of the camera
a man wearing a baseball cap and holding his hand up in front of the camera
Tone Your Arms Fast | Overhead Dumbbell Triceps Extension Workout
Tone Your Arms Fast | Overhead Dumbbell Triceps Extension Workout
22K views · 327 reactions | The tricep has three heads including the lateral head, the long head, and the medial head. All three heads will be hit with any tricep exercise. However, you can emphasize different heads with certain exercises. If you want to hit the long head of your tricep, do overhead extensions. If you want to hit the lateral head of your tricep, do pushdowns with a bar. If you want to hit the medial head of your tricep, do rope pushdowns. If you want to crush your fitness goals in 2024, get 50% off your tailored workout program and meal plan by hitting the link in my bio. Remember, all three heads have a similar function so you’re probably already hitting each to some extent. If you find one area is lagging, you could look to incorporate more exercises for that head. | Pfau Fitness | Facebook
22K views · 327 reactions | The tricep has three heads including the lateral head, the long head, and the medial head. All three heads will be hit with any tricep exercise. However, you can emphasize different heads with certain exercises. If you want to hit the long head of your tricep, do overhead extensions. If you want to hit the lateral head of your tricep, do pushdowns with a bar. If you want to hit the medial head of your tricep, do rope pushdowns. If you want to crush your fitness goals in 2024, get 50% off your tailored workout program and meal plan by hitting the link in my bio. Remember, all three heads have a similar function so you’re probably already hitting each to some extent. If you find one area is lagging, you could look to incorporate more exercises for that head. | Pfau Fitness | Facebook
two images of the back and side of a person with their hands on their head
two images of the back and side of a person with their hands on their head
TOP 5 Triceps Lateral Head Exercises
TOP 5 Triceps Lateral Head Exercises
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
Dumbbell Exercises for Stronger Triceps
Dumbbell Exercises for Stronger Triceps
the exercises to hit every head of your triceps 2 long head brachii
the exercises to hit every head of your triceps 2 long head brachii
Overhead Tricep Extension
Overhead Tricep Extension

Dumbbell Tricep Kickback: Form and Variations

Once you're comfortable with the basic dumbbell tricep kickback, try adding a twist for increased functional strength. Perform the exercise as described, but as you extend your elbow, rotate your palm up towards the ceiling, then back down as you lower the weight. This variation targets the long head of the tricep in addition to the lateral head.

For an added challenge, try performing this exercise on one knee instead of supported on a bench. This variation engages your glutes and core for additional strength and stability gains.

Incorporating these lateral head tricep db exercises into your workout routine will help you build balanced, strong, and defined upper arms. Don't forget to progressively increase the intensity and weights used to continually challenge your muscles and promote growth. Now, get out there and start sculpting those triceps!