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Exercise library

Barbell Skull Crusher

Triceps · Horizontal push

Generic horizontal push demo. Follow the steps below for this exact exercise.

Horizontal pushIsolation

A lying barbell extension that loads the triceps through a long stretch.

Difficulty
Moderate
Tracking
Measured in reps

Muscles worked

Triceps

Equipment

BarbellBench

How to do it

  1. Lie on a flat bench holding a barbell or EZ bar over your chest with a shoulder width grip.
  2. Move the bar back so it sits over your forehead with your upper arms angled slightly toward your head.
  3. Bend your elbows to lower the bar toward your hairline, keeping your upper arms still.
  4. Press back up until your elbows are straight without letting them flare out wide.

Coaching cues

  • Keeping the upper arms angled slightly back holds tension on the triceps at the top.
  • Start light, this exercise is unforgiving on the elbows.