“Cranky Triceps”

[Bryan Hildebrand]

Hey Joe,

I’ve notice that you talk a lot about cranky triceps quiet a bit in your videos.  Do you have any thoughts on Machine Tricep extensions?- specifically,  the Prime Tricep Extension. I haven’t seen you ever use one in your videos.

At 37, I’m a lot more conscious these days of exercise selection and avoiding unnecessary wear and tear.  Do you see any value in stabilizing the humerus or am I better off sticking with cross over and single arm cable extensions?

Your thoughts are always greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Bryan

[Joe]

Bryan Hildebrand wrote:

Hey Joe,

I’ve notice that you talk a lot about cranky triceps quiet a bit in your videos.  Do you have any thoughts on Machine Tricep extensions?- specifically,  the Prime Tricep Extension. I haven’t seen you ever use one in your videos.

At 37, I’m a lot more conscious these days of exercise selection and avoiding unnecessary wear and tear.  Do you see any value in stabilizing the humerus or am I better off sticking with cross over and single arm cable extensions?

Your thoughts are always greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Bryan

It’s all about alignment. Their triceps extension (along with every other triceps extension machine in the world – minus one super secret one Tom Purvis has ????) do not provide any bracing. The pad on your triceps is just for feedback at best. To be truly “braced” the pad would need to be on your biceps. So back to alignment…it can be a great option, but 99% of people will need to be single-arm. Your upper arm needs to be perfectly in line (parallel to the side of the pad) with the machine. And your “elbow pit” needs to point to the ceiling the entire ROM. If you try doing that with both arms, you’ll likely find it’s impossible. Let me know if that all makes sense and if it helps!

[Bryan Hildebrand]

That makes a lot of sense.  Thanks for the detailed explanation,  Joe.

I’ve seen a the trick of “bracing” by using a cable and cuff to pull on the bicep or using the opposite hand to put pressure on the  bicep.   Tom’s super secret toy sounds pretty cool.  I’ll keep my eyes open!

Much appreciated.

Bryan

[Author]

Posts