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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:
- 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.
- Barbell Position: Extend your arms straight up, holding the barbell directly over your shoulders. Keep your elbows pointing towards the ceiling.
- Foot Placement: Plant your feet firmly on the floor for stability.
The Lift:
- Controlled Lowering: Keeping your upper arms stationary, slowly bend your elbows to lower the barbell towards your forehead.
- Touch and Pause (Optional): You can lightly touch the bar to your forehead, but this isn't mandatory.
- Extend Upward: Extend your elbows to press the barbell back to the starting position. Avoid locking out your elbows at the top.
- 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