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Exercise Guide
How to do ez-barbell decline triceps extension
Master the setup, range of motion, and tempo for safer, more effective reps.
Often called skull crushers performed on a decline bench, this exercise targets the long head of the triceps. The decline angle provides a greater stretch and increased range of motion compared to a flat bench. Using an EZ-bar reduces wrist strain, allowing for more comfortable and effective isolation of the triceps, leading to significant muscle growth and improved arm thickness.
Stats
TIER
2
DIFFICULTY
Intermediate to Advanced
EQUIPMENT
Decline Bench, Ez Barbell
TARGET MUSCLES
Triceps
Instructions for Proper Form
Setup:
- Decline Bench: Adjust a bench to a decline angle of approximately 15-30 degrees.
- EZ-Bar Placement: Secure your feet under the leg pads or hooks on the decline bench. Position the loaded EZ-curl bar on the floor behind your head.
- Grip: Lie back on the bench with your head at the lower end. Grasp the EZ-curl bar with an overhand grip on the inner grips, hands shoulder-width apart or slightly narrower.
- Starting Position: Extend your arms straight up overhead so that the bar is positioned over your forehead. Your elbows should be pointing towards the ceiling and close to your head.
The Lift:
- Controlled Lowering: Keeping your upper arms stationary, slowly bend your elbows to lower the EZ-curl bar towards your forehead. The bar should travel in a straight line down towards the top of your head.
- Deep Stretch: Lower the bar until you feel a deep stretch in your triceps.
- Extend Upward: Extend your elbows to press the bar back up to the starting position. Avoid locking out your elbows at the top.
Tips:
- Forearm Vertical: Try to keep your forearms perpendicular to the floor throughout the movement.
- Upper Arm Angle: Your upper arms should stay at a consistent angle relative to the floor during the entire exercise.
- Slow and Controlled: Avoid using momentum. Focus on the triceps doing the work.
- Elbow Position: Keep your elbows tucked in close to your head throughout the movement.
- Grip: The EZ-curl bar allows for a more comfortable grip for many people compared to a straight bar.
Common mistakes: Allowing the elbows to flare and bringing the bar to the face instead of the forehead.
Alternatives
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Cable
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Dumbbell
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Cable
cable lying triceps extension(low)
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Cable
cable reverse grip triceps pushdown(sz-bar)
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Bench
barbell seated overhead triceps extension
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Dumbbell
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Dumbbell
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Cable
cable lying triceps extension
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Bench
barbell lying triceps extension
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Triceps Extension Machine
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Cable
cable triceps pushdown(SZ bar)
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Decline Bench
ez-barbell decline triceps extension
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Dumbbell
dumbbell one arm kickback
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Bench
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Dip Bar
weighted triceps dips
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None
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Barbell
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None
kneeling triceps extension
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Dumbbell
dumbbell lying triceps extension
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Ez Barbell
ez-barbell incline triceps extension
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Dumbbell
dumbbell seated triceps extension
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Cable
cable triceps pushdown(v-bar)
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Smith Machine
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TricepsChest+1
Bench
barbell close grip bench press
TricepsChest+1