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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:

  1. Decline Bench: Adjust a bench to a decline angle of approximately 15-30 degrees.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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:

  1. 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.
  2. Deep Stretch: Lower the bar until you feel a deep stretch in your triceps.
  3. 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

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