The 5 Best Tricep Exercises for Size & Strength (Backed by Science)

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Discover the top five science-backed tricep exercises for building maximum strength and size, including the close grip bench press, JM press, overhead cable extension, rope push-down, and board press. Learn how to train all three heads of the tricep — long, lateral, and medial — with proper technique, programming recommendations, and progression strategies. Whether you’re a powerlifter looking to add plates to your bench press or an athlete chasing bigger arms, this complete tricep training guide from THIRST Gym covers everything you need.

Half Kneeling Single Arm KB Bottoms Up Overhead Press

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The half kneeling bottoms up kettlebell press is the ultimate shoulder stability exercise for building bulletproof rotator cuff strength and eliminating shoulder pain during overhead pressing. This advanced kettlebell variation forces your shoulder stabilizers to work overtime by combining an unstable inverted grip with the anti-rotation demands of the half kneeling position. Learn the proper technique, programming strategies, and why this exercise is essential for athletes, powerlifters, and anyone struggling with shoulder discomfort during traditional overhead pressing movements.

Half Kneeling KB Overhead Press

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The half kneeling kettlebell overhead press combines shoulder strength development with core stability and hip mobility training in one comprehensive exercise. This unilateral pressing variation challenges your shoulders, triceps, and deltoids while simultaneously engaging your abdominals, obliques, and hip flexors through an asymmetric half kneeling position. Perfect for strength athletes, functional fitness enthusiasts, and anyone seeking to build stable overhead pressing power that translates to real-world performance and athletic movements.

Single Arm Hammer High Row Machine

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The single arm hammer high row machine builds exceptional upper back thickness while exposing and correcting the muscular imbalances that bilateral rowing movements often hide. This comprehensive guide breaks down the biomechanics, setup requirements, and programming strategies that transform this unilateral rowing variation into a precision tool for developing a stronger, more balanced back. Learn how to maximize scapular retraction, optimize loading strategies, and apply this exercise across training goals from powerlifting performance to postural correction.

Alternating Hammer High Row Machine

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The alternating hammer high row machine delivers extended time under tension for superior lat development by keeping one arm in a stretched position while the other pulls, eliminating rest periods found in traditional bilateral rowing. This unilateral back exercise builds functional pulling strength while improving rotational mobility and correcting strength imbalances, making it especially valuable for athletes and serious lifters. Learn proper technique, grip options, and programming strategies to maximize your upper back training with this advanced rowing variation.

FFE Split Stance Cable Row

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The front foot elevated split stance cable row builds exceptional single-arm upper back strength while solving common problems that plague traditional rowing variations, including low back discomfort and limited hip mobility. This cable machine variation uses a strategically elevated front foot position to keep your torso vertical and pelvis properly stacked, allowing you to access greater ranges of motion during pulling movements without compensatory patterns that typically cause issues. Perfect for athletes seeking positional strength development and lifters dealing with mobility limitations, this exercise delivers comprehensive upper body training with full-body integration and postural control benefits.

Alternating DB Lateral Raise

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The alternating dumbbell lateral raise builds powerful lateral deltoids while challenging core stability through unilateral shoulder training. This lateral raise variation allows you to use heavier weights for maximum shoulder hypertrophy or extend time under tension as an intense shoulder finisher. Learn proper form, programming strategies, and how this exercise delivers unique benefits beyond standard dumbbell lateral raises for building bigger, stronger shoulders.

Landmine Push Press

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The landmine push press builds explosive upper body power while keeping your shoulders healthy and pain-free, making it the perfect alternative to traditional overhead pressing for athletes and lifters dealing with shoulder mobility limitations. This dynamic exercise combines lower body hip drive with pressing strength to develop the kind of force transfer that translates directly to better performance in contact sports like football, wrestling, and basketball. Learn the proper technique, programming strategies, and why this shoulder-friendly variation deserves a permanent place in your power training arsenal.

90-90 Alternating DB Floor Press

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Discover how the 90-90 alternating dumbbell floor press can simultaneously build upper body strength while correcting anterior pelvic tilt and relieving lower back pain caused by prolonged sitting. This innovative exercise combines the muscle-building benefits of traditional dumbbell pressing with targeted postural correction, making it perfect for desk workers and anyone dealing with shoulder limitations or chronic back discomfort. Learn the complete setup technique and programming strategies that transform this simple floor-based movement into a powerful tool for addressing the most common movement dysfunctions plaguing modern lifestyles.

90-90 Alternating Neutral Grip DB Floor Press

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The 90-90 alternating neutral grip dumbbell floor press combines upper body strength training with powerful corrective benefits, making it perfect for anyone dealing with lower back pain, anterior pelvic tilt, or shoulder issues. This unique exercise teaches your body to maintain proper spinal alignment while building chest, shoulder, and tricep strength, effectively retraining movement patterns that traditional pressing exercises often reinforce incorrectly. By positioning your body in the specialized 90-90 setup, you’ll activate your hamstrings and core while performing shoulder-friendly pressing movements that address postural dysfunctions common in today’s sedentary lifestyle.