My triceps are incredibly weak and affect everything I do. HELP!

[GettingInShape2]

I used to work out somewhat regularly during my teen years and stopped for a number of years (though I have never been in great shape my entire life). I finally decided that I want to get in shape so I joined a gym a few days ago. I already have a regimen in mind and know the basics so I'll spare the newb questions.

My main problem is that my triceps have always been weak. When I did a few sets of bench presses, they went completely mush. To put it in perspective, after doing some bench presses and using some triceps machines, I literally had to use the lightest weight (meaning no weight) and even then I could barely do more than 5 reps.

I never really had a problem with my back or biceps tiring out but my triceps wear out completely after little use. Unfortunately triceps are used for so many exercises (bench press, incline press, shoulder press, dips, etc.) that I really want to get them strong.

Should I just keep going at it and eventually they won't wear down? Or is it in my genes to have weak triceps? Should I just keep on doing some triceps exercises with the lightest weights? Granted I must look absolutely foolish but I really don't care as long as I get results.

 

[GettingInShape2]

By the way, this was the workout I had in mind.

Day 1 - Chest/triceps

Day 2 - Back/biceps

Day 3 - Shoulders/abs

Day 4 - Legs

Unfortunately I might have to switch triceps with abs since after doing just a few chest exercises, my triceps go completely mush.

 

[evolution]

What is the time difference between your day 4 workout and your day 1 workout? I'm thinking an extra day of heavy tricep work might help you (pin presses, close grip bench, skulls)

 

[Phate89]

If you continue trying to progress with the number of weights and reps, eventually your triceps will get stronger ( if you are eating enough ) no matter how weak they are now.

 

[GettingInShape2]

Thanks for your help guys. I guess I will just keep going at it. The difficulty lies within the fact that in order for them to get stronger, I have to work them out. But they tire out so quickly I can't work them out enough. I guess I'll just have to use light weights, even if I look like a doofus doing skull crushers with 10 pounds.

 

[Phate89]

Thanks for your help guys. I guess I will just keep going at it. The difficulty lies within the fact that in order for them to get stronger, I have to work them out. But they tire out so quickly I can't work them out enough. I guess I'll just have to use light weights, even if I look like a doofus doing skull crushers with 10 pounds.

IT's all good. just remember progression is the key.

 

[theGOOCH]

Should I just keep on doing some triceps exercises with the lightest weights? Granted I must look absolutely foolish but I really don't care as long as I get results.

Yes, use the appropriate weight. Too many people in the gym are influenced by their egos to use a weight that is too heavy for them. That's why you see "half" bench presses, people bouncing weight off their chests etc.

Take comfort that you are getting a better workout than those guys and will progress past them