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Exercise Guide

How to do barbell lying triceps extension

Master the setup, range of motion, and tempo for safer, more effective reps.

Commonly known as skull crushers, the barbell lying triceps extension is a premier isolation movement for developing the back of the arms. It places significant load on the triceps, particularly the long and medial heads. By performing this move with a barbell, you can progressively increase weight, leading to significant gains in arm thickness and improved performance in compound movements like the bench press.

Stats

TIER
2
DIFFICULTY
Intermediate to Advanced
EQUIPMENT
Bench, Barbell
TARGET MUSCLES
Triceps

Instructions for Proper Form

Setup:

  1. Bench and Barbell: Lie flat on a bench with your head at the edge. Hold a barbell with an overhand grip, hands shoulder-width apart.
  2. Barbell Position: Extend your arms straight up, holding the barbell directly over your shoulders. Keep your elbows pointing towards the ceiling.
  3. Foot Placement: Plant your feet firmly on the floor for stability.

The Lift:

  1. Controlled Lowering: Keeping your upper arms stationary, slowly bend your elbows to lower the barbell towards your forehead.
  2. Touch and Pause (Optional): You can lightly touch the bar to your forehead, but this isn't mandatory.
  3. Extend Upward: Extend your elbows to press the barbell back to the starting position. Avoid locking out your elbows at the top.
  4. Repeat: Perform the desired number of repetitions.

Tips:

  • Elbow Position: Keep your elbows pointing towards the ceiling throughout the movement, avoiding flaring outwards.
  • Slow and Controlled: Focus on using your triceps to move the weight, not momentum.
  • Range of Motion: If you feel any discomfort in your elbows or shoulders, reduce the range of motion by not lowering the bar as far.

Variations:

  • EZ-Bar Skull Crushers: Utilize an EZ-curl bar for a more comfortable grip and wrist position.
  • Dumbbell Skull Crushers: Perform the movement with a dumbbell in each hand for individual arm work.

Common mistakes: Flaring the elbows out and bringing the bar to the chin instead of the forehead or slightly behind the head.

Alternatives

Bench

dumbbell incline triceps extension

Triceps
Cable

cable one arm tricep pushdown

Triceps
Cable

cable pushdown(with rope)

Triceps
Cable

cable one arm side triceps pushdown

Triceps
Bench

barbell incline triceps extension

Triceps
Cable

cable bent overhead tricep extension

Triceps
Cable

cable overhead triceps extension

Triceps
Dumbbell

dumbbell incline two arm triceps extension

Triceps
Cable

cable lying triceps extension(low)

Triceps
Cable

cable reverse grip triceps pushdown(sz-bar)

Triceps
Bench

barbell seated overhead triceps extension

Triceps
Dumbbell

dumbbell seated triceps extension

Triceps
Dumbbell

dumbbell one arm tricep extension

Triceps
Cable

cable lying triceps extension

Triceps
Bench

barbell lying triceps extension

Triceps
Triceps Extension Machine

machine triceps extension

Triceps
Cable

cable triceps pushdown(SZ bar)

Triceps
Decline Bench

ez-barbell decline triceps extension

Triceps
Dumbbell

dumbbell one arm kickback

Triceps
Bench

dumbbell triceps kickback

Triceps
Dip Bar

weighted triceps dips

TricepsChest+1
None

dips on chair

TricepsChest+1
Barbell

barbell incline close grip bench press

TricepsFront Shoulder+1
None

kneeling triceps extension

Triceps
Dumbbell

dumbbell lying triceps extension

Triceps
Ez Barbell

ez-barbell incline triceps extension

Triceps
Dumbbell

dumbbell seated triceps extension

Triceps
Cable

cable triceps pushdown(v-bar)

Triceps
Smith Machine

smit-machine close grip bench press

TricepsChest+1
Bench

barbell close grip bench press

TricepsChest+1