Where it is and what it does
TODO(content)Origin, insertion, parts and joint actions wait for a reviewed muscle research doc (docs/research/muscles/triceps-brachii.md) citing a verified anatomy source. The OpenStax Anatomy and Physiology entry (S025) is still marked “To verify”.
Nerve supply
TODO(content)Innervation to be added from the verified anatomy source.
How flat pressing trains it
The triceps straighten your elbow in every press. A narrower grip increases triceps activity in the bench press [1, 2], while changing the bench angle made little difference to it in one study [3]. Coaches commonly say the triceps work hardest toward lockout; that is consensus rather than measured fact (low certainty).
Common problems
TODO(content)Brief, non-diagnostic notes on common problems wait for the muscle research doc. If you have pain in this area, see a doctor or physiotherapist.
Works alongside
- Pectoralis major (chest)
- Anterior deltoid (front delt)
How sure are we
| Claim | Certainty | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| A narrower bench-press grip increases triceps activity. | Moderate | [1, 2] |
| Triceps activity is similar across bench angles. | Moderate | [3] |
Sources
- Lehman GJ. The influence of grip width and forearm pronation/supination on upper-body myoelectric activity during the flat bench press. J Strength Cond Res. 2005;19(3):587–591. PubMed 16095407Finding checked via a secondary source · checked 22 Oct 2026
- Barnett C, Kippers V, Turner P. Effects of variations of the bench press exercise on the EMG activity of five shoulder muscles. J Strength Cond Res. 1995;9(4):222–227. Finding checked via a secondary source · checked 22 Oct 2026
- Rodríguez-Ridao D, Antequera-Vique JA, Martín-Fuentes I, Muyor JM. Effect of five bench inclinations on the electromyographic activity of the pectoralis major, anterior deltoid, and triceps brachii during the bench press exercise. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020;17(19):7339. doi:10.3390/ijerph17197339Verified · checked 22 Oct 2026