Biceps and Triceps Workout — Arm Sets

Bicep and Tricep Training is a specialized approach to strength training, focused on developing the muscle groups responsible for flexing and extending the elbow joint. It aims to increase muscle mass, strength, and endurance of the arms through precisely selected exercises, adapted volume, intensity, and training frequency.

Arms are a calling card for any trainee. Big, strong, and well-shaped biceps and triceps make a strong impression. They contribute to improved functionality and better performance in other exercises like push-ups, pull-ups, and bench presses. While many people think they just need to do endless sets for biceps and triceps to achieve results, effective training requires a methodical approach based on scientific principles.

Anatomy of Strength: Biceps and Triceps

Before diving into the exercises, it's important to understand the primary functions of these muscle groups.

• Biceps (Biceps Brachii): Consists of two heads – long and short. Its main function is flexing the forearm at the elbow (flexion) and supination (rotating the palm upwards). It also weakly participates in shoulder joint flexion.
• Triceps (Triceps Brachii): Consists of three heads – long, lateral, and medial. Its main function is extending the forearm at the elbow (extension). The long head also assists in shoulder joint adduction and extension.

Since you are training both muscle groups, which are antagonists to each other (they perform opposite movements), you can train them together in one session. This ensures balanced development and helps prevent imbalances. One of the most well-known approaches is the so-called "antagonist superset," where you perform a bicep exercise, then immediately follow it with a tricep exercise before resting. According to a study by Robbins et al. (2010), this method can lead to greater training volume and less fatigue than performing exercises sequentially.

Volume and Frequency – How Much is Enough?

Training volume (number of sets and repetitions) and frequency (how often you train a specific muscle group) are key factors for muscle growth. General recommendations for hypertrophy vary, but studies by Schoenfeld et al. (2017) suggest that 10-20 working sets per muscle group per week are optimal for most people.

For biceps and triceps, 2-3 exercises for 3-4 sets each per muscle group within a single workout (2-3 times per week) is a good starting point. You can split your workouts like this:

• Full Split: Train biceps and triceps during an upper body training day, which includes back and chest.
• Dedicated Day: A separate training day just for arms if you want to prioritize them.
• Push/Pull/Legs (PPL): Train triceps on the "Push" day (chest, shoulders, triceps) and biceps on the "Pull" day (back, biceps).

Bicep Workout: Curl Variations

To maximize bicep growth, it's important to use various curl variations that target the muscle from different angles and emphasize its different heads.

1. Barbell Bicep Curl

This is a fundamental exercise for building mass. It allows the use of relatively heavy weight and is excellent for activating both heads of the biceps.

• Execution: Stand upright, grip the barbell with an underhand grip (palms forward), hands shoulder-width apart. Flex your elbows, lifting the barbell towards your shoulders without swinging your body. Lower slowly.
• Sets and Reps: 3-4 sets of 8-12 repetitions.

2. Standing/Seated Dumbbell Bicep Curl

Allows for a greater range of motion and works each bicep individually. You can do alternating curls or with wrist rotation (supination) for greater bicep activation.

• Execution: With dumbbells in hand, palms facing forward or neutral. Flex your elbows, lifting the dumbbells towards your shoulders. You can rotate your palms upwards during the movement. Lower slowly.
• Sets and Reps: 3 sets of 10-15 repetitions per arm.

3. Hammer Curl

Emphasizes the brachialis (muscle under the bicep that adds thickness) and brachioradialis (forearm muscle) more. Performed with a neutral grip (palms facing each other).

• Execution: Hold dumbbells with a neutral grip. Flex your elbows, lifting the dumbbells towards your shoulders without rotating your wrists. Lower slowly.
• Sets and Reps: 3 sets of 10-15 repetitions.

4. Concentration Curl

Isolates the bicep and allows for maximum concentration on the contraction. An excellent finisher for the workout.

• Execution: Sit down, place the elbow of one arm on the inner side of your thigh. Curl the dumbbell towards your shoulder, keeping the bicep constantly tensed.
• Sets and Reps: 2-3 sets of 12-15 repetitions per arm.

Tricep Workout: Push-downs, French Presses, and More

The triceps make up about 2/3 of the upper arm mass, so they are extremely important for achieving size.

1. Triceps Push-down

One of the most popular exercises, which can be performed with a straight bar, V-bar, or rope to emphasize different heads.

• Execution: Stand in front of a cable machine, grip the handle with an overhand grip, elbows tucked close to your body. Extend your arms downwards, fully straightening your elbows. Return to the starting position with control.
• Sets and Reps: 3-4 sets of 10-15 repetitions.

2. Barbell/Dumbbell French Press / Lying Triceps Extension

An excellent exercise for stimulating the long head of the triceps.

• Execution: Lie on a bench, grip a straight or EZ bar/dumbbells with a narrow overhand grip. Arms are extended upwards. Lower the bar/dumbbells towards your forehead (or behind your head) by flexing only at the elbows. Extend back to the starting position.
• Sets and Reps: 3-4 sets of 8-12 repetitions.

3. Overhead Dumbbell/Cable Triceps Extension

Another exercise that strongly engages the long head of the triceps by placing it in a stretched position.

• Execution: Sit or stand upright, hold one dumbbell with both hands (or use a rope from a low cable pulley). Raise the dumbbell overhead, then lower it behind your head by flexing at the elbows. Extend back to the starting position.
• Sets and Reps: 3 sets of 10-15 repetitions.

4. Dips

Although a compound exercise, dips work the triceps extremely hard, especially when performed with a narrow grip and an upright torso.

• Execution: Grip the parallel bars. Lower your body down by bending your elbows until your shoulders are below your elbows. Push back up to the starting position. Add weight if necessary.
• Sets and Reps: 3 sets to failure or 8-12 repetitions with weight.

Sample Arm Workout Plan

Here is a sample plan that you can adapt to your needs and fitness level. This plan is designed to be performed 1-2 times per week, combined with training for other muscle groups.

Progressive Overload and Technique

The most important principle for muscle growth is progressive overload. This means you must constantly challenge your muscles to work harder than before. This can be achieved by:

• Increasing the weight.
• Increasing the number of repetitions.
• Increasing the number of sets.
• Decreasing the rest time between sets.
• Improving technique and control over the movement.

Never sacrifice technique for weight. Improper execution reduces the effectiveness of the exercise and significantly increases the risk of injury. Focus on slow, controlled movements, especially during the negative phase (lowering the weight).

Nutrition and Recovery

No workout, however well-structured, will yield maximum results without adequate nutrition and recovery. For muscle growth, the body needs:

• Sufficient Protein: Around 1.6-2.2 grams per kilogram of body weight to provide the necessary amino acids for repair and growth.
• Adequate Caloric Intake: A slight caloric surplus is necessary for building muscle mass.
• Carbohydrates: A source of energy for workouts and for replenishing glycogen stores.
• Healthy Fats: Important for hormonal health and overall well-being.
• Quality Sleep: At least 7-9 hours of sleep per night is critical for hormonal recovery and muscle growth.

Without these components, progress will be severely limited. Training is just the stimulus; growth happens during rest and recovery.

See more in the fitness guides of Sport Zona Academy.

See more in the fitness guides of Sport Zona Academy.