Upper body
Free the back of the upper arm.
The triceps run along the back of the upper arm and straighten the elbow in every push, press and overhead reach. When they are tight, reaching overhead can feel restricted.
Overhead and cross-body stretches give the triceps length and keep the shoulder and elbow moving comfortably together.
Start here
A short, guided starting point for Triceps — begin gently and stay within a comfortable range.
overhead reach
Eagle Arm
shoulder and arm
Cow Face
behind the back
One Arm Hug
cross-body
Elbow Pike
loaded reach
Pike
full arm line
About the Triceps
The triceps is the three-headed muscle on the back of the upper arm, with one head crossing the shoulder and the others running from the arm bone to the elbow.
It straightens the elbow and assists the shoulder, so its length shapes overhead reach and pressing strength.
Because one head crosses the shoulder, triceps work links naturally with shoulder and chest mobility.
Ways to work this area
Mobility
Controlled repetitions move the triceps through a comfortable range without forcing the end position.
Control
Slower drills build awareness and steadiness around the triceps and nearby joints.
When people reach for this
After pressing
Overhead stretches ease the back of the arm once the pushing work is done.
WeightliftingStiff reaching overhead
Triceps and shoulder mobility restore a comfortable overhead reach.
Shoulder ComfortExercises for Triceps
How Flexor personalises this
Flexor pairs triceps stretches with shoulder mobility so overhead reach feels easy, adapting to the pressing and reaching you log.
See daily recommendationsExplore related pages
Move comfortably
- Draw the elbow gently overhead rather than forcing it behind the head.
- Keep the stretch in the arm, easing off if the shoulder pinches.
This is general fitness guidance, not medical advice or treatment. Move within a comfortable range, and speak to a qualified professional about pain that persists or worsens.
Read the full wellness disclaimerWritten by Flexor editorial Last reviewed July 2026
Common questions
How do I stretch my triceps?
Reach one hand down between the shoulder blades and use the other hand to guide the elbow gently back and up until you feel the back of the arm lengthen. Keep it comfortable and breathe.
Why are my triceps tight after training?
Pushing and pressing work the triceps hard, so they can feel tight afterwards. Gentle overhead and cross-body stretches once you are warm usually help them settle.
Can triceps stretches help overhead mobility?
Because one head of the triceps crosses the shoulder, keeping it mobile can support a comfortable overhead reach. Pair triceps stretches with shoulder mobility for the best effect.
Should I stretch triceps before pressing?
Light, moving arm and shoulder mobility is a good warm-up, but save longer triceps holds for after training so pressing power is not reduced beforehand.
