Skull Crusher - Instructions, Variations & Alternatives

Muscles involved

• Triceps

Also known as

• Lying Triceps Extension
• French Press
• Nose Breaker

How to perform

Skull Crusher - Starting position

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

• Overhead Extension
• Bodyweight Skull Crusher