Edward R. Laskowski, MD: The triceps kickback is an exercise you can do with resistance tubing to strengthen and tone the back of your upper arm. As the name implies, the triceps kickback targets the triceps muscle, located here in the back of the upper arm. Strong triceps can help you with activities that require you to push away from your body.

Nicole L. Campbell: To do the triceps kickback with resistance tubing, start by standing on the tubing with the ball of your foot.

The closer you place your foot to the handle, the more resistance you’ll get during the exercise. Grasp the handle with your palm facing down and lean forward.

Tighten your abdominal muscles and maintain a neutral, balanced arch in your back. Then extend your elbow backward until your arm is nice and straight. Keep your elbow close to your body, then slowly return to the starting position. You’ll feel tension in the muscles in the back of your upper arm.

When you’re doing triceps kickbacks, keep your wrist rigid and your abdominal muscles nice and tight. Make sure your movements are smooth and controlled.

For most people, one set of 12 to 15 repetitions is adequate.

For best results, remember to keep your wrist rigid and your movements smooth and controlled.

Feb. 14, 2023

  1. Laskowski ER (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Nov. 19, 10,
  2. Campbell NL (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Nov. 10, 2012.