Skullcrusher (Barbell)

The technique.

1. 01

   Lie on a flat bench, holding an EZ curl bar or straight bar with an overhand grip.

2. 02

   Extend your arms straight up over your chest, keeping elbows slightly bent.

3. 03

   Lower the bar towards your forehead by bending only your elbows, keeping upper arms stationary.

4. 04

   Feel a deep stretch in your triceps at the bottom of the movement.

5. 05

   Extend your arms to press the bar back up to the starting position, squeezing your triceps.

What goes wrong.

• ×Letting elbows flare out to the sides, reducing triceps isolation.
• ×Moving the upper arms, turning it into a close-grip bench press.
• ×Using too much weight, compromising form and risking injury.
• ×Not achieving full range of motion, stopping short of full extension or deep lower.
• ×Rushing the movement, losing control and tension.