Exercise guide · intermediate

Tate Press

The tate press is a triceps isolation exercise performed lying on a bench with dumbbells. The wide elbow position distinguishes it from standard presses, placing a unique demand on the lateral and medial heads of the triceps.

triceps
FRONTBACK
PrimaryAlso worksOther anatomy
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Equipment
dumbbells
Typical range
8–15 reps
Also works
chest, shoulders

01 · Set up

1

Choose a grip that keeps your wrists straight and place your upper arms in the position required by the exercise.

2

Brace your torso and begin with the elbows bent while keeping the shoulders quiet.

02 · Perform

1

Straighten the elbows while keeping the upper arms in their starting position.

2

Finish with the arms long without forcing or snapping the elbows.

3

Allow the elbows to bend under control until you return to the starting stretch.

Coaching tips

  • Keep the non-working joints still.
  • Use the full controlled range.
  • Own the return phase.

Common mistakes

  • Moving the torso to create momentum.
  • Using resistance that shortens the range.
  • Letting the resistance drop on the return.

What it should feel like

Expect the triceps to do most of the work, without sharp or joint-focused pain.

Stop or modify when

Stop or shorten the range for sharp, sudden, worsening, or joint-focused pain.

Reviewed alternatives

Other ways to train the same primary muscles

Standing Single Arm Overhead ExtensionDumbbell Triceps KickbackDumbbell Lying Triceps Extension