TETSUBody-Up vs Dumbbell Lying Extension (Across Face)
The Body-Up and the Dumbbell Lying Extension (Across Face) both train the triceps as their primary muscle. The Body-Up is bodyweight-only while the Dumbbell Lying Extension (Across Face) uses a dumbbell. Here is how they compare and when to pick each.
Side-by-side comparison
| Body-Up | Dumbbell Lying Extension (Across Face) | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary muscle | triceps | triceps |
| Body part | upper arms | upper arms |
| Supporting muscles | chest and shoulders | shoulders |
| Equipment | bodyweight | dumbbell |
| Steps in our guide | 5 | 5 |
How each one starts
Body-Up — first steps
- Start by placing your hands on a raised surface, such as a bench or parallel bars, with your palms facing down and fingers pointing forward.
- Extend your legs out in front of you, keeping your heels on the ground and your body straight.
Dumbbell Lying Extension (Across Face) — first steps
- Lie flat on a bench with your feet flat on the ground and your head at the end of the bench.
- Hold a dumbbell with both hands and extend your arms straight up above your chest, palms facing each other.
Full step-by-step guides are linked below.
Which should you choose?
The Body-Up needs no equipment and scales through leverage, tempo and reps. The Dumbbell Lying Extension (Across Face) works each side independently and demands more stabilizer control. If your gym has both options, neither is a wrong choice: pick the one that feels strongest through a full range, and swap after 6 to 8 weeks to keep the triceps adapting.
Full form guides
Common questions
Is the Body-Up better than the Dumbbell Lying Extension (Across Face)?
Neither is universally better — both train the triceps as the primary mover. The Body-Up needs no equipment and scales through leverage, tempo and reps, while the Dumbbell Lying Extension (Across Face) works each side independently and demands more stabilizer control. Choose based on your equipment and which movement you can progress consistently.
Can I do both the Body-Up and the Dumbbell Lying Extension (Across Face) in the same program?
Yes, but usually not in the same session — they overlap heavily on the triceps. A common setup is one as your main movement and the other on a second training day, or alternating them block by block.
Do the Body-Up and the Dumbbell Lying Extension (Across Face) work the same muscles?
The primary muscle is the same: the triceps. Supporting muscles differ slightly — chest and shoulders for the Body-Up versus shoulders for the Dumbbell Lying Extension (Across Face).
Track it in Tetsu
Tetsu tracks both movements separately, keeps your PRs per exercise, and tells you which one is actually progressing. Free to start.