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Skull Crusher - Instructions, Variations & Alternatives

Muscles involved

Section titled “Muscles involved”
  • Triceps

    Also known as

    Section titled “Also known as”
    • Lying Triceps Extension
    • French Press
    • Nose Breaker

    How to perform

    Section titled “How to perform”
    Skull Crusher - Starting position

    Skull Crusher - Starting position

    Skull Crusher - Muscle Under Tension

    Skull Crusher - Muscle Under Tension

    1. Set up & Starting position (lying, bent over with cable machine or seated with specific machine)
      Grasp the weight using a close pronated (overhand) grip about shoulder-width apart, and carefully extend your arms straight forward so that your arms are vertical to your torso. Keep elbow slightly bent.

    2. Eccentric phase
      Keeping your upper arms fixed, inhale as you flex your elbows and lower the weight toward your face in a smooth semi-circular motion.

    3. Concentric phase
      Exhale as you extend your elbows and take the weights back to the starting position.
      Repeat.

    Exercise Alternatives

    Section titled “Exercise Alternatives”