Exercises / Skull Crusher

Skull Crusher

Also known as: Lying triceps extension, Lying EZ-bar triceps extension, French press (lying)

A lying elbow extension. The bar lowers toward the head, then presses back to a straight-arm finish.

Primary muscles
Triceps (triceps brachii)
Secondary muscles
Forearms
Equipment
Barbell (flat bench, EZ-bar or barbell)
Pattern
Isolation
Difficulty
Intermediate
Line diagram of a Skull Crusher.
Diagram: Fytniz. License: original-placeholder (Fytniz).

Cues

  1. Lie on a flat bench and start with the EZ bar or barbell over the shoulders, wrists stacked, elbows pointing up.
  2. Bend only at the elbows and lower the bar toward the forehead or just behind the head.
  3. Keep the upper arms still; the elbows do not flare out to the sides.
  4. Extend back to the start without letting the bar drift over the waist into a pullover.

Common mistakes

  • Flaring the elbows so the shoulders take the load.
  • Turning it into a close-grip press by letting the upper arms travel.
  • Dropping the bar onto the face instead of controlling the last few inches.

Safety

  • Control the last few inches toward the head. Stop if you feel sharp elbow pain.