Tricep exercises with straight arms

[Cindy923]

Hi,

I thought the main action of the tricep is to extend the elbow.

In both Squeeze and Slim Series Express Cardio Sculpt there is a tricep exercise in which the movement is pressing the arms back with straight arms, no extension of the elbow. I don't really feel this much in the triceps, mostly in the rear delts and back. I feel the triceps much more during excerises that extend the elbow.

Do you think straight arm triceps movements are less effective? That is the impression I am getting. Triceps are one of my "trouble" areas that are difficult to keep toned so I like to get the most out of every tricep workout.

Cindy

 

[jonahnah]

Hmmmm, I did straight arm tricep pressbacks (lifts and pulses) during Bar Method classes and my triceps were killing me. We did them leaning forward slightly and our elbows nearly locked--not sure how they do them on the 2 workouts you mentioned. I actually like doing some straight arm tricep work to give my elbows a break. HTH!

 

[fit44]

It's possible you're not pulsing high enough?
I first learned to do straight arm tricep raises with Callanetics. They always leave my triceps with doms.

 

[boybielicious]

I discovered a move where you hold a barbell (palms facing away) behind your back and extend the arms back - you can either do kick-back or straight arm.

It's all about using said muscle to do the work when you are doing a particular move. Just like with the tricep chest press. Oftentimes I find myself having to really concentrate & focus on where exactly I am trying to work with those types of moves.

 

[Cindy923]

Hi Cynthia,

One of the problems I am having is when holding my arms up high, I feel this more in
the back of my shoulders than triceps. I'll keep trying.

Cindy

 

[Cindy923]

Hi Debbie,

Yes, you are right about the concentration part. Maybe that is what I need time to work on when doing straight arm tricep work. I did Squeeze yesterday and feel some sorness in the triceps so I must have done something right. It's during the exercise that I don't feel the triceps to much.

Cindy

 

[kathryn]

The triceps muscles are engaged in three movements: straightening a bent arm, pronating the arm (moving from palm-up to palm-down when you are standing with your arms bent at 90-degrees at your side), and lifting a straight arm behind you (which is less isolation for the triceps, as the rear shoulder is involved as well).

Like others have said, the 'trick' to feeling the straight-arm pulses is concentration and an isometric contraction.