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What are the Different Types of Bicep and Tricep Workouts?

Luke Arthur
Luke Arthur

There are many different bicep and tricep workouts that can be performed, including working with dumbbells and with machines. Body weight workouts are another popular variation of bicep and tricep workouts. Some individuals like to do as many repetitions as possible, while others like to utilize large amounts of weight in order to try to build muscle.

Choosing between the many different bicep and tricep workouts that are available can be difficult. The important thing to keep in mind is that an individual should choose a workout that fits his or her individual needs. The person should try to determine what he or she wants to get out of a workout, and choose the routine that provides the best opportunity to accomplish this.

Doing push ups with elevated legs can strengthen the arm muscles.
Doing push ups with elevated legs can strengthen the arm muscles.

One of the most common types of bicep and tricep workouts involves using dumbbells. With this type of workout, individuals will perform exercises such as bicep curls and tricep extensions. Many people prefer using free weights because they help to strengthen the small muscles that are involved in supporting the weight in addition to the primary muscles.

Doing push-ups can help strengthen the biceps and triceps.
Doing push-ups can help strengthen the biceps and triceps.

Another type of workout involves using weight machines. Some of these machines utilize heavy rubber bands while others use pulleys and weights. An individual can generally re-create most of the same motions that are used in a free weight workout with machines. The only difference is that it is more of a controlled movement that is utilized by the lifter.

Using dumbbells helps to strengthen the triceps.
Using dumbbells helps to strengthen the triceps.

Instead of using weights for bicep and tricep workouts, other individuals utilize bodyweight workouts. This type of workout uses only the weight of the individual as the main form of resistance. The person will often do push-ups in order to work the triceps and pull-ups to work the biceps. There are also several other bodyweight exercises that can be used without having to access a weight room.

Dumbbell curls are an effective way to build stronger biceps.
Dumbbell curls are an effective way to build stronger biceps.

In addition to choosing the individual exercises that will be performed, there are also variations in the number of sets and repetitions (reps) in a workout. For example, some individuals like to try to do a low number of reps with a large amount of weight in order to promote muscle growth. Other people prefer to use low weight and do a higher number of repetitions and sets. This type of workout generally is designed to tone the muscle instead of creating mass. Both types of workouts can be beneficial, depending on the individual's needs.

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    • Doing push ups with elevated legs can strengthen the arm muscles.
      By: bertys30
      Doing push ups with elevated legs can strengthen the arm muscles.
    • Doing push-ups can help strengthen the biceps and triceps.
      By: Sergejs Rahunoks
      Doing push-ups can help strengthen the biceps and triceps.
    • Using dumbbells helps to strengthen the triceps.
      By: Tijana
      Using dumbbells helps to strengthen the triceps.
    • Dumbbell curls are an effective way to build stronger biceps.
      By: Mat Hayward
      Dumbbell curls are an effective way to build stronger biceps.
    • There are many exercises a person can do to tone their triceps and biceps.
      By: Christopher Howey
      There are many exercises a person can do to tone their triceps and biceps.
    • Dumbbell curls are a popular exercise for strengthening the biceps.
      By: tankist276
      Dumbbell curls are a popular exercise for strengthening the biceps.
    • Curls help strengthen the biceps and other muscles of the arms.
      By: pressmaster
      Curls help strengthen the biceps and other muscles of the arms.
    • Dips -- an exercise in which the arms are used to push up the body -- can strengthen and tone the triceps.
      By: Vyacheslav Zyryanov
      Dips -- an exercise in which the arms are used to push up the body -- can strengthen and tone the triceps.