How to Do Skull Crushers

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If you're looking to work your triceps in particular, you'll find skull crushers are a good way to do it. This exercise uses gravity to specifically work this area, so start by learning the basic technique. You can switch things up a bit to work your lateral or long head muscle in your triceps. Once you've got the basics down, work on improving your technique by making a few small tweaks. Then you're ready to bulk up those triceps!

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Working on the Basic Technique

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  1. Lie down on your back [1] . Your feet should be flat on the floor and your legs should be bent at the knees. If you're on a bench, your head should be at one end of the bench so you have space to use your weights. On a stability ball, just balance in the middle of your back. [2]
  2. Start with basic weights, such as dumbbells. If you haven't done this exercise before, start small, such as with 5-lb (2.3 kg) weights. Hold the weights straight out from your chest. Your wrists should face inwards. [3]
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  3. Slowly bend your elbows, lowering the weights down towards your face. Keep your upper arms perpendicular to the floor, while your forearms move. [4] It can be hard at first, so just do your best. [5]
    • Some people start in this position instead of with their arms straight. How you begin is up to you. [6]
  4. Slowly bring your arms back up to a straightened position. Repeat the movement for a total of 12 reps. You can do another set or move on to another exercise. You can also work up to more sets over time. [7]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Doing Variations

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  1. Dumbbells are a good place to start, but really, you can use any type of weight for this exercise, including an EZ bar. You can also use cables or a barbell. Just use whatever is easiest for you. [8] You can even just use canned goods as weights to start out.
    • Instead of having your wrists facing inward, you'll grasp the bar with the tops of your hands towards your face. Keep your hands at shoulder width or closer together.
  2. Inclining the bench upwards will put more work on the long head because you're moving more toward an overhead position. If you're specifically wanting to work this muscle, increase the incline. [9]
    • The triceps long head is the muscle at the back of the upper arm on the inner side.
  3. The other major muscle in the triceps is the lateral head. As you decline the bench, you'll work this muscle more, if that's your goal. You can also work the lateral head and the long head in turns by working at different inclines and declines. [10]
    • The triceps lateral head is the muscle at the back of the upper arm on the outside.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Using Tricks to Make Skull Crushers More Effective

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  1. With this exercise, you may be tempted to move your upper arms, too. However, that allows your shoulders to take some of the load. Since the goal of this exercise is mainly to work the triceps, try to keep those upper arms still. You can do it! [11]
  2. You may also be tempted to let your elbows pull away from your body, which reduces the work your triceps are doing. Keep your elbows in close to truly work your triceps as much as you can. [12]
  3. Gravity is your friend on this exercise. Gravity is what makes it difficult to lift the weights back up. However, if you're on an incline bench, you may be inclined to keep your upper arms perpendicular to your body. Always check to make sure your upper arms are perpendicular to the floor instead. [13]
  4. If you straighten your arms completely, you likely get a little rest at the top, which feels good but doesn't work your triceps as much. However, if you stop just short, you're continuing the pressure on your arms, which helps work them that much harder. [14]
    • Of course, if you need to, don't be afraid to take a break. You don't want to injure yourself.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How do you properly perform a skull crusher exercise?
    Dean Theriot
    Personal Trainer
    Dean Theriot is a Personal Trainer and the Owner of Timberline Fitness in Houston, Texas. With over 25 years of experience in the fitness industry, Dean specializes in personal, group, and sport-specific training. Dean holds a BS in Exercise Physiology from LSU. Dean combines resistance and cardiovascular training with pilates exercises for comprehensive workouts for his clients. His sport-specific training includes football, basketball, and baseball.
    Dean Theriot
    Personal Trainer
    Expert Answer
    Grasp a barbell with a shoulder-width grip and lie down on your back on a standard bench. With your upper arms perpendicular to the ground, point your elbows to the ceiling. Bend your elbows to bring the bar down to the top of the forehead—lower the bar slowly to avoid hitting yourself on your forehead. Then, return to the top position without moving your elbows forward or backward.
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      References

      1. ↑ Dean Theriot. Personal Trainer. Expert Interview. 22 February 2021.
      2. ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/health/fitness-exercise/workouts/best-triceps-exercises#dumbbell-skull-crusher
      3. ↑ https://www.mensfitness.com/training/workout-routines/lying-dumbbell-skull-crusher
      4. ↑ Dean Theriot. Personal Trainer. Expert Interview. 22 February 2021.
      5. ↑ https://www.mensfitness.com/training/workout-routines/lying-dumbbell-skull-crusher
      6. ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/health/fitness-exercise/workouts/best-triceps-exercises#dumbbell-skull-crusher
      7. ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/health/fitness-exercise/workouts/best-triceps-exercises#dumbbell-skull-crusher
      8. ↑ https://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/your-complete-guide-to-skullcrushers.html
      9. ↑ https://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/your-complete-guide-to-skullcrushers.html
      1. ↑ https://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/your-complete-guide-to-skullcrushers.html
      2. ↑ https://www.womenshealthandfitness.com.au/fitness/workouts/1963-how-to-perform-skullcrushers/
      3. ↑ https://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/your-complete-guide-to-skullcrushers.html
      4. ↑ https://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/your-complete-guide-to-skullcrushers.html
      5. ↑ https://www.womenshealthandfitness.com.au/fitness/workouts/1963-how-to-perform-skullcrushers/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To do skull crushers, first lie down on a bench with your feet flat on the floor and your knees bent. Next, hold weights straight out from your chest with your wrists facing inwards. If you’re a beginner, start out with light weights like 5-lb dumbbells. Then, lower the weights towards the floor by bending your elbows and keeping your arms perpendicular to the floor. Finally, bring your arms back to the starting position and repeat for a total of 12 reps. For more tips from our Fitness reviewer, including how to do tricks to make skull crushers more effective, read on!

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