How to Do Skull Crushers

Co-authored by Dean Theriot

Last Updated: November 24, 2023 References

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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Lie down on your back^{[1]
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Dean Theriot
Personal Trainer

Expert Interview. 22 February 2021.}. 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]
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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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Lower the weights towards the floor by bending your elbows. Slowly bend your elbows, lowering the weights down towards your face. Keep your upper arms perpendicular to the floor, while your forearms move.^{[4]
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Dean Theriot
Personal Trainer

Expert Interview. 22 February 2021.} It can be hard at first, so just do your best.^{[5]
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- Some people start in this position instead of with their arms straight. How you begin is up to you.^{[6]
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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
Use different types of weights. 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]
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Research source} 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
Incline the bench up to work the triceps long head. 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]
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- The triceps long head is the muscle at the back of the upper arm on the inner side.
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Decline the bench to work the triceps lateral head. 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]
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- The triceps lateral head is the muscle at the back of the upper arm on the outside.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Using Tricks to Make Skull Crushers More Effective

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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]
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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]
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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]
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Don't go all the way up to the straightened position. 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]
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- 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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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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