Skull Crusher

BarbellBeginnerIsolation
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Quick answer

Skull Crusher is a beginner isolation barbell exercise that mainly works the triceps.

Written by the GymStreak coaching team

Muscles worked

Front
Back

Primary

How to do Skull Crusher

  1. 1

    Lie on a flat bench with your feet flat on the floor. Hold a barbell or EZ bar straight up at less than shoulder width apart. This is your starting position.

  2. 2

    Keeping your elbow and upper arm fixed, slowly lower the weight down until the bar just touches your forehead.

  3. 3

    After a brief pause, slowly return to the starting position.

Form cues

  • It is recommended that you have a spotter for this exercise.
  • If you want to keep more tension through the triceps and chest, stop each repetition just short of lockout at the top.
  • Perform the reps slowly and in a controlled manner. Technique first, weight second.

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