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Upper Arms Exercise · Barbell

Barbell Lying Triceps Extension Skull Crusher exercise animation

Barbell Lying Triceps Extension Skull Crusher

Category
Upper Arms
Equipment
Barbell
Target
Triceps

The skull crusher variation specifically lowers the bar with control to just above or behind the head, and the name itself is a reminder why elbow position and bar path matter more here than almost any other triceps exercise. Losing control at the bottom is the actual risk the name warns about. Start lighter than you think you need until the groove and elbow tracking feel automatic.

How to Do the Barbell Lying Triceps Extension Skull Crusher

  1. Lie on a bench with your feet flat on the floor and your head positioned at the end of the bench.
  2. Grip the barbell overhand with your hands shoulder-width apart, extending your arms straight up over your chest.
  3. With your upper arms held still, slowly bend your elbows to lower the barbell toward your forehead.
  4. Pause briefly once the barbell hovers just above your forehead, then extend your arms back to the starting position.
  5. Repeat for your planned rep target, maintaining clean technique and steady breathing on every repetition.

Calorie Burn & Set Tracker

Sets
3
Reps / Set
10
Active Timer
00:00
Estimated Burn
0 kcal

Muscles Worked

The Barbell Lying Triceps Extension Skull Crusher primarily targets the Triceps, with Shoulders as the primary synergist muscle group.

More Upper Arms Exercises

Assisted Standing Triceps Extension (with Towel) Assisted Standing Triceps Extension (with Towel) Assisted · Triceps Assisted Triceps Dip (kneeling) Assisted Triceps Dip (kneeling) Leverage Machine · Triceps Band Alternating Biceps Curl Band Alternating Biceps Curl Band · Biceps Band Close-Grip Push-Up Band Close-Grip Push-Up Band · Triceps Band Concentration Curl Band Concentration Curl Band · Biceps Band One Arm Overhead Biceps Curl Band One Arm Overhead Biceps Curl Band · Biceps

More Triceps Exercises

Band Side Triceps Extension Band Side Triceps Extension Band · Triceps Barbell Close-Grip Bench Press Barbell Close-Grip Bench Press Barbell · Triceps Barbell Decline Close Grip To Skull Press Barbell Decline Close Grip To Skull Press Barbell · Triceps Barbell Incline Close Grip Bench Press Barbell Incline Close Grip Bench Press Barbell · Triceps Barbell Incline Reverse-Grip Press Barbell Incline Reverse-Grip Press Barbell · Triceps Barbell Jm Bench Press Barbell Jm Bench Press Barbell · Triceps

Equipment Alternatives

Don't have barbell? These target the same triceps with different equipment.

Bench Dip (knees Bent) Bench Dip (knees Bent) Body Weight · Triceps Assisted Standing Triceps Extension (with Towel) Assisted Standing Triceps Extension (with Towel) Assisted · Triceps Assisted Triceps Dip (kneeling) Assisted Triceps Dip (kneeling) Leverage Machine · Triceps Band Close-Grip Push-Up Band Close-Grip Push-Up Band · Triceps

FAQ

What muscles does the Barbell Lying Triceps Extension Skull Crusher work?
The Barbell Lying Triceps Extension Skull Crusher primarily targets the triceps, with the shoulders as the main supporting muscle group.
What equipment do I need for the Barbell Lying Triceps Extension Skull Crusher?
The Barbell Lying Triceps Extension Skull Crusher is done with a barbell.
What's a good alternative to the Barbell Lying Triceps Extension Skull Crusher?
If you don't have access to a barbell, the Bench Dip (knees Bent) targets the same triceps using body weight instead.