Reasons for Elbow Pain During Triceps Workout

Written by: Nurudeen Tijani (Wellness and Pain Relief Fitness Coach)

Can triceps exercises cause elbow pain?
Yes, triceps exercises can cause elbow pain—but the exercises themselves are rarely the true problem.

Why do my elbow hurt during triceps workout?
In most cases, elbow pain during triceps exercises shows up because the muscles and tendons involved are already stiff, overworked, or lacking proper pliability. This makes the elbows less able to tolerate stress during repeated pressing and extension movements.

Why pain persists: With triceps exercises, elbow pain is rarely just about the elbow itself. It often comes from how repeated elbow extension overexerts the arms, how restricted muscles and irritated tendons handle stress during pressing and extension movements, and compensation patterns that develop over time.

Our step-by-step program is designed to eliminate elbow pain fast. Ready to get started?

I’ve been lifting for over 10 years and have personally experienced—and resolved—elbow pain from triceps exercises.

The triceps exercise mechanics and factors below are important to understand because they contribute to pain, but they are not the root cause of this issue.