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

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.

Tall Kneeling Band Pull Apart

The tall kneeling band pull apart is a resistance band exercise that builds upper back strength, rear deltoid development, and postural control by eliminating the compensation patterns that make traditional standing variations ineffective. Learn proper tall kneeling setup, pulling mechanics, and how to program this movement as a warm-up, superset, or high-rep finisher. All you need is a light to moderate resistance band and a commitment to intentional reps.

DB Bench Press On Plyo Box

The dumbbell bench press on plyo box solves the biggest challenge facing solo trainers: executing heavy dumbbell floor presses without assistance for setup and dismount. This shoulder-safe pressing variation uses an 18-inch plyo box to match competition bench height, allowing you to build pressing strength with controlled range of motion while maintaining the exact setup and mechanics that transfer directly to your powerlifting bench press. Whether you train alone in a home gym or need an intelligent accessory movement that builds chest strength without requiring spotters, this exercise delivers quality pressing volume with practical execution that eliminates the logistical frustrations of traditional floor press work.

DB Bench Floor Press

The dumbbell bench floor press using an elevated setup solves the biggest challenge with traditional floor pressing by letting you handle heavy dumbbells without the awkward struggle of getting into position on the ground. This variation delivers all the lockout strength and shoulder-friendly benefits of regular floor presses while using your normal bench press setup, making it perfect for solo training sessions when you need to push serious weight. Whether you’re a powerlifter building lockout power or someone managing shoulder issues who still wants effective pressing volume, this practical setup hack transforms floor press work from frustratingly limited to genuinely productive.