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Best Long Head Tricep Exercises: Essential DB Moves for Max Growth

Megan Aug 11, 2026

Welcome to your comprehensive guide on long head tricep exercises using dumbbells! The long head of the triceps is the most visible part of this key upper arm muscle, and effectively targeting it can significantly enhance your arm's appearance and strength. Dumbbells offer a versatile way to activate the long head and other tricep heads, as they allow for a wide range of exercises and angles. Let's dive into the best long head tricep exercises using dumbbells and explore their benefits, proper form, and variations.

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

The long head of the triceps is responsible for the 'horseshoe' shape at the back of your upper arm, and it's crucial for elbow extension and arm stabilization. By targeting this area, you can improve overall tricep strength, upper arm aesthetics, and even shoulder health. So, let's start with the main演 tand-alone sits of type ofkbmmv.

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

Isolation Exercises

Isolation exercises are excellent for targeting the long head of the triceps, as they often position your arm in extension, which highlights this muscle's role in elbow straightening. Let's explore two key dumbbell isolation exercises.

Here’s how 👇
Here’s how 👇

Overhead Tricep Extension

This exercise is a classic for targeting the long head, as it places your arm in full extension at the shoulder joint. Here's how to perform it:

Best Tricep Workout for Long Head Development
Best Tricep Workout for Long Head Development

Grab a dumbbell with both hands, extend your arms directly overhead with a slight bend in your elbows, and keep a neutral wrist position. Slowly lower the dumbbell behind your head, keeping your elbows pointed towards the ceiling. Reverse the movement by squeezing your triceps and returning to the starting position. Repeat for 3-4 sets of 8-12 reps.

Lying Tricep Extension (Skull Crushers)

Lying tricep extensions (or skull crushers) are another isolation exercise that effectively targets the long head. To perform this exercise:

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

Lie on a flat bench with a dumbbell in each hand, arms extended directly above your chest. Keep a neutral grip, with your palms facing your feet. Slowly lower the dumbbells in an arc towards your forehead, keeping your elbows pointing towards the ceiling. Once the dumbbells pass your head, squeeze your triceps to return to the starting position. Perform 3-4 sets of 8-12 reps.

Compound Exercises

Compound exercises involve multiple joints and muscle groups, making them excellent for building overall strength and functional fitness. They also engage the long head of the triceps, whether as a synergist or an assistant muscle. Here are two compound dumbbell exercises that target the triceps:

Tricep Long Head TARGET! The ONLY Dumbbell Extension Form You Need ✅  Stop wasting your time with bad form! 🙅‍♂️ This is the number one mistake people make with the Dumbbell Overhead Tricep Extension (or Tricep Kickback) that is killing their arm growth. The triceps make up two-thirds of your arm mass, so if you want bigger, more defined arms—especially targeting the tricep long head—you need this simple form fix.  Watch closely for the correct elbow position, full range of motion, and how to... Gym Workout Animation, Triceps Kickback, Triceps Extension, Workout Gym Routine, Gym Routine, Tricep Extension, Tricep Workout, Tricep Exercises, Triceps Exercises
Tricep Long Head TARGET! The ONLY Dumbbell Extension Form You Need ✅ Stop wasting your time with bad form! 🙅‍♂️ This is the number one mistake people make with the Dumbbell Overhead Tricep Extension (or Tricep Kickback) that is killing their arm growth. The triceps make up two-thirds of your arm mass, so if you want bigger, more defined arms—especially targeting the tricep long head—you need this simple form fix. Watch closely for the correct elbow position, full range of motion, and how to... Gym Workout Animation, Triceps Kickback, Triceps Extension, Workout Gym Routine, Gym Routine, Tricep Extension, Tricep Workout, Tricep Exercises, Triceps Exercises

Dumbbell Bench Press

The dumbbell bench press is a staple exercise for targeting the chest, shoulders, and triceps. To engage the long head more effectively, try this variation:

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
3 Exercises for your Long Head of Triceps! Add it to your list!
3 Exercises for your Long Head of Triceps! Add it to your list!
Long Head Tricep Exercises
Long Head Tricep Exercises
Target Every Tricep Head: Variations Explained
Target Every Tricep Head: Variations Explained
Seated Single Arm Dumbbell Extension
Seated Single Arm Dumbbell Extension
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
"Complete Triceps Workout Guide"
"Complete Triceps Workout Guide"
13 Best Medial Head Tricep Exercises According to Physiology
13 Best Medial Head Tricep Exercises According to Physiology
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

Start by lying on a flat bench with a dumbbell in each hand, resting on your chest. Press the dumbbells towards the ceiling, fully extending your arms. At the top of the movement, pause and slightly rotate your wrists, pointing your fingers towards your feet. This wrist position cumulously involves the long head of the triceps. Perform 3-4 sets of 8-12 reps.

Dumbbell Row to Press

This compound exercise targets the back, biceps, and core, while also engaging the long head of the triceps as an assistant muscle. Here's how to perform it:

Begin in a bent-over position, holding a dumbbell in each hand, arms extended, with a slight bend in your elbows. Initiate the movement by pulling the dumbbells up towards your ribcage, squeezing your back and biceps. At the top of the pull-up movement, push the dumbbells back down and up, extending your arms fully overhead to complete the press movement. Repeat for 3-4 sets of 8-12 reps.

Incorporating these exercises into your routine will help you effectively target and develop the long head of your triceps, leading to improved strength, arm aesthetics, and overall upper body function. Remember to prioritize progressive overload, proper form, and rest for optimal results. Now go ahead and challenge your triceps with these dumbbell exercises!