Triceps Bench Press One Barbell
A unilateral bench press variation using one arm to press a barbell, emphasizing tricep engagement and core stability.
Instructions
- Lie flat on a bench with your feet firmly planted on the floor
- Hold the barbell with one hand positioned above your chest, with your arm bent at the elbow
- Your upper arm should be at roughly a 45-degree angle from your body
- Brace your core and maintain full-body contact with the bench
- Press the barbell upward by extending your arm, driving through your tricep
- Fully extend your arm at the top while maintaining stability
- Lower the barbell with control back toward your chest
- Repeat for the prescribed number of repetitions, then switch to the opposite arm
Tips
- This unilateral variation builds single-arm strength and improves stability imbalances
- Maintain tight core engagement to prevent excessive rotation or instability
- Use controlled weight to ensure proper form; lighter weight helps with single-arm pressing
- This exercise demands greater stabilizer muscle engagement than bilateral pressing
- Ensure both sides are trained equally for balanced strength development
- Progress gradually to avoid overloading and compromising shoulder health
Recommended starting values
Sensible novice starting points for each goal, for a lifter aged 25–40. Scale down for smaller frames or older lifters. Treat the first set of any session as a discovery set.
| Goal | Sets | Reps | Weight | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male | Female | |||
| Gain strength | 5 | 5 reps | 22.5 kg | 12.5 kg |
| Build muscle | 5 | 8 reps | 20 kg | 10 kg |
| Build endurance | 5 | 10 reps | 15 kg | 7.5 kg |
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