Why Women Should Train Triceps for Both Aesthetics and Strength

Written by Jennifer Schulze | Feb 23, 2026 10:45:36 PM

Why Triceps Matter More Than You Think

When women think about arm training, most automatically focus on biceps. But your triceps actually make up roughly two-thirds of your upper arm.

If your goal is a toned, sculpted look in tank tops or sleeveless dresses, triceps training plays a huge role.

However, the benefits go far beyond appearance.

The Functional Benefits of Strong Triceps

Your triceps are responsible for elbow extension — essentially any pushing movement.

That means they help with:

  • Getting up off the floor
  • Pushing doors or grocery carts
  • Supporting shoulder stability
  • Improving pressing movements like chest and shoulder exercises

For women especially, maintaining upper body strength supports long-term independence and joint health.

Strength is about more than aesthetics. It’s about capability.

3 Effective Tricep Exercises for Women

Here are three variations I regularly use with clients:

1. Assisted Dips

Great for controlled strength progression and building compound upper body strength.

2. Bench Dips

A bodyweight option that challenges stability and muscular endurance.

3. Cable Tricep Pushdowns

Perfect for isolation and improving muscle definition.

Using a combination of compound and isolation exercises helps maximize both strength and muscle tone.

Train for the Look — Stay for the Strength

There’s nothing wrong with wanting toned arms.

But when we train intentionally, we gain more than aesthetics — we build confidence, resilience, and everyday strength.

If you're in the Lee’s Summit area and looking for personalized strength training for women, our team at Elite Personal Training focuses on sustainable, structured programs that build both muscle and longevity.