Trainer Scott Hedegaard-Schou (NSCA-CSCS, USAW) doesn't have anything against triceps kickbacks, but he told us "there are exercises to avoid based on specific goals. Most people want to workout to lose weight and feel better." Scott explains, "When it comes to expending calories, you want your body to produce as much energy as it can." So instead of just isolating your triceps with a kickback, choose a full-body exercise that also works the upper arms to burn more calories with each rep.
Scott's recommendation: a diamond push-up. It's a full-body move that builds strength and muscle all over, but placing your hands directly under your chest forces the triceps to work more than in the traditional hand placement under or wider than your shoulders.
