How to Do Overhead Tricep Extensions with Resistance Bands

Resistance bands are an excellent fitness tool for a variety of exercises. They are especially useful for exercising at home, where space may be limited. Resistance bands are perfect to use when performing the overhead tricep extension. This exercise works the back of your arms and shoulders. There are different ways to perform this exercise. You may want to experiment until you find the method that is most comfortable for you.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Resistance band

How to Do Overhead Tricep Extensions with Resistance Bands

1. Position one foot in front of you and one behind you. Your feet should be approximately three feet apart, as if you are preparing to do lunges.
2. Holding one handle of the resistance band in each hand, put the center of the resistance band under the foot that is behind you. You may find it easiest to rest the center of the band on the ground and simply step back onto the band.
3. Lift your arms so that the handles of the resistance band are behind your head and your elbows are bent to the sides. This is the starting position.
4. Using a slow, fluid motion, extend your arms straight overhead and hold for three to five seconds.
5. Slowly return to the starting position.
6. Repeat the desired number of reps.

Alternative Positioning for One Arm at a Time

7. Instead of positioning the band under your back foot, you can hold the band behind you. Some people feel more comfortable with this, because the band may feel more secure in your hand rather than under your foot.
8. Hold the handle of one resistance band in your right hand. Position your right arm as in the instructions above –- the handle should be behind your head and your elbow bent at the side of your head.
9. With your left hand, reach behind your back and firmly grasp the hanging resistance band. In this alternative positioning, this is the starting position.
10. Using a slow, fluid motion, extend your right arm overhead and hold for three to five seconds.
11. Slowly return to the starting position.
12. After you have completed the desired number of reps, repeat with the left arm.