Arms Workout for Men: Build Bigger Biceps and Triceps

arms workout for men

If you want stronger, fuller arms, biceps that pop and triceps that give you that defined horseshoe shape, this workout guide is for you. You don’t need to overcomplicate things. With the right exercises, proper form, and consistency, you can build impressive arms whether you’re at home or in the gym.

Why Focus on Both Biceps and Triceps

Many guys over-prioritize biceps because that’s what you see in a mirror or flexed against a shirt. But arm strength and size come from balanced development:

  • The triceps make up roughly two-thirds of your upper arm’s mass, ignore them, and you leave a lot of potential on the table. (1)

  • Training both muscle groups together, pull (for biceps) and push (for triceps), helps ensure proportional growth, strength, and a balanced aesthetic. (2)

That’s why this program targets both: to build muscle, strength, and arm symmetry.

What Makes an Effective Arm Workout

An effective arm-focused workout should:

  • Engage multiple parts of biceps and triceps (not just the obvious ones). (1)

  • Use a mix of compound and isolation exercises to stimulate growth from different angles. (3)

  • Include progressive overload, gradually increase weight, volume, or reps over time so muscles keep adapting and growing. (1)

  • Allow for adequate recovery: don’t train arms every day. Aim for 1–2 arm-specific sessions per week (unless your split demands otherwise). (4)

Sample Arm Workout Plan: Build Bigger Biceps & Triceps

This plan assumes you have access to basic equipment (dumbbells, maybe a bench). Use a weight that lets you complete 8–15 reps per set with good form.

Exercise

Target Muscle(s)

Sets / Reps

Dumbbell Bicep Curls (standing)

Biceps brachii, brachialis

3 × 8–12

Hammer Curls

Brachialis, forearms, biceps

3 × 8–12

Overhead Dumbbell Triceps Extension

Long head of triceps

3 × 8–12

Close-Grip Push-Ups (or Close-Grip Bench Press)

Triceps, chest, shoulders

3 × 10–15

Triceps Kickbacks

Triceps — lateral head

2–3 × 10–15

Optional Superset Finisher: Curls + Triceps Dips / Kickbacks

Biceps + Triceps pump

2 supersets (see notes)

How to Use This Plan

  • Frequency: Perform this arms workout 1–2 times per week, with at least 48 hours between sessions if you hit arms hard.

  • Form over ego lifting: Especially with curls and extensions — avoid momentum, keep elbows steady, and perform full range of motion. 

  • Progress gradually: When a set of 12 reps becomes easy, increase the weight or add a set. Progressive overload drives growth. 

  • Mind-muscle connection: Really focus on contracting the biceps during curls and squeezing triceps at the top of extensions or push-ups. 

  • Balance workouts: Don’t let arm training interfere with other key lifts (back, chest, legs). Fit this into your larger program accordingly.

Sample Weekly Schedule

If you’re doing a 4–5 day training split:

  • Day 1: Push (Chest/Shoulders/Triceps) Include Close-Grip Pushups + Triceps Extensions

  • Day 2: Pull (Back/Biceps) Include Hammer Curls + Bicep Curls

  • Day 4: Arm-Focused Session Full arm workout (as above)

  • Rest or lower-body/core days on other days

If you train full-body 3×/week you can still carve out a separate arm day once every 7–10 days to avoid overtraining while still getting volume.

Nutrition & Recovery: Don’t Skip This

Building bigger arms isn’t just about lifting heavier. Muscles need fuel, protein, hydration, and recovery, to grow. That’s where Wild Society Nutrition’s offerings come in: whether you’re refueling after a hard arm day or prepping for the next session, consistent nutrition and rest help you recover faster and build muscle more efficiently.

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Stretch and mobilize your elbows, shoulders, and wrists after workouts. Ensure you get adequate sleep, and don’t neglect full-body training, strong arms are built on the foundation of overall strength and balance.

Final Thoughts: Consistency Is King

If you stick with this arms workout — training smart, pushing progress gradually, and fueling your body properly — you’ll get stronger, thicker, more defined arms. Remember: it’s not about ego-lifting heavy once and calling it “arm day.” It’s about patience, precision, and consistency.

Over time, that’s how real gains are made.

References: 

  1. Build Huge Arms

  2. Bicep and Tricep Workout

  3. 6 Exercises for Bigger Arms

  4. 8 Exercises for Bigger Stronger Arms

Image by StockSnap from Pixabay