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Exercise Guide

How to do ez-barbell incline triceps extension

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

The EZ-barbell incline triceps extension, also known as incline skull crushers, targets the long head of the triceps. The incline bench provides a unique angle that increases the stretch on the muscle at the bottom of the movement. Using an EZ-bar reduces wrist strain, allowing for a more comfortable and effective workout that builds significant mass and strength in the arms.

Stats

DIFFICULTY
Untrained to Beginner
EQUIPMENT
Ez Barbell, Bench
TARGET MUSCLES
Triceps

Instructions for Proper Form

Setup:

  1. Bench Angle: Set an incline bench to a 45-60 degree angle.
  2. Position: Lie back on the bench, holding an EZ-bar with a narrow, overhand grip.
  3. Starting Position: Press the bar up so it's directly over your chest with your arms fully extended.

The Movement:

  1. Lowering: Keeping your upper arms still, bend at the elbows to slowly lower the bar towards your forehead or just behind your head.
  2. Stretch: Lower the bar until you feel a good stretch in your triceps.
  3. Extension: Exhale and use your triceps to press the bar back to the starting position. Squeeze at the top.

Tips:

  • The EZ-bar can be more comfortable on the wrists than a straight bar for this exercise.
  • Keep your elbows tucked in and pointing towards the ceiling as much as possible.
  • Control the weight on the way down to protect your joints (and your head).

Common mistakes: Flaring the elbows outward, lowering the bar to the chin instead of the forehead, and arching the back off the bench.

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