This At-Home Triceps Workout with Weights Will Create Super Strong Arms

Good news if you're wondering how to strengthen your arms: It doesn't require pumping major iron. Fitting in an occasional triceps workout at home with weights can go a long way. (BTW, here’s the real difference between lifting heavy vs. light weights.) As the largest muscles in your arms, the triceps are responsible for the most upper-body definition and small, targeted movements can make a big difference.

With this targeted triceps workout with weights (demonstrated by NYC-based trainer Janeil Mason), you'll not only feel the burn and be well on your way to discovering how to lose arm fat, but you'll also strengthen your core too. Even if you're doing the best exercise for triceps at home, you should make time for cardio. This triceps workout with weights also incorporates intervals to help you burn calories, which will help you lose weight and uncover those newly strengthened arm muscles.

Add these upper-body moves with weights to your regular strength training routine today. (Need one? Try this Essential Weekly Gym Workout Plan for Women Who Want to Start Strength Training)

How it works: Three days a week, do 3 sets of the prescribed number of reps for each exercise (including the cardio interval!). Focus on using proper form, and don't worry about completing the exercises at a quick pace.

You'll need: A set of lightweight dumbbells. (Like at-home workouts? Then you'll love these YouTube accounts for free exercise options.)

• Grab a dumbbell with right hand and stand in a split stance with left foot forward.
• Bend left knee and lower torso until parallel to the ground. Keep back leg straight and shoulders facing forward.
• Lift right arm to shoulder height, pointing the weight up to the ceiling.
• Pulse right arm one inch up and down, keeping arm as straight as possible.

Do 25 pulses, then switch sides.

• Place hands directly below shoulders, feet hip-width apart.
• Keeping elbows pointed back and as close to your sides as possible, slowly lower body to the ground.
• Once your chest touches the floor, press back up to a straight-arm plank. (Up next: Triceps Dips Are the Upper-Body Move You Should Master ASAP)

Triceps Workout with Weights Tip: Be sure to keep core and legs engaged the entire time. If this is too challenging, modify by dropping down to your knees. (P.S., here's how to progress to a full push-up as a beginner.)

Do 10 reps.

• Hold one dumbbell with both hands overhead.
• Draw shoulders down and back and engage core.
• Keeping elbows pointed forward, bend elbows and allow the weight to lower down back.
• Extend arms to bring the weight back overhead.

Triceps Workout with Weights Tip: Keep core and glutes engaged the entire time.

Do 20 reps.

• Grab a dumbbell with left hand and come into a side plank with right elbow directly below shoulder, feet stacked.
• Raise hips off the ground so that your body forms a straight line from ankles to shoulders.
• Keeping hips lifted and chest raised, extend left arm straight out directly above the shoulder, still holding the dumbbell.
• Lower left arm back down until it's parallel to the ground.

Do 10 reps per side.

• Grab a dumbbell with right hand and stand in a split stance with left foot forward.
• Bend left knee and lower torso until parallel to the ground. Keep back leg straight and shoulders squared to the front.
• Lift right arm behind body up to shoulder height, palm facing the floor. Squeeze entire arm in toward body.
• Continue this small movement in and out.

Do 25 reps per side.

Pick your poison: Do jumping jacks, jump rope, or burpees as fast as possible for one minute.

FYI: Adding cardio intervals to this triceps workout with weights gets your heart rate pumping, which can help you burn more calories and is one method for how to lose arm fat. (Related: Do You Really Need to Do Cardio to Lose Weight?)