Skull crusher

Triceps (especially the long head).

Skull crusher: Arms straight
Arms straight
Skull crusher: Bar next to the forehead
Bar next to the forehead
Watch videos on YouTube

How to do it

  1. Lie on a flat bench with an EZ bar, arms straight over your chest.
  2. Tilt your arms back a little (towards your head).
  3. Lower the bar by bending only your elbows, to near your forehead or just behind your head.
  4. Straighten your arms again to the starting position.

Cues

  • Elbows pointing at the ceiling and tucked in, not flared.
  • Slow, controlled lowering.
  • Start light: your elbows will thank you.

Common mistakes

  • Flaring the elbows out to the sides.
  • Moving your shoulders (it becomes a press).
  • Lowering fast.

If you feel discomfort in your elbow, swap it for the cable pushdown.

Photos: free-exercise-db (public domain).

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