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Barbell skull crusher

Bend the elbows to lower the bar toward the forehead or just behind the head, then extend without moving the upper arms excessively. Start with a manageable effort and increase it only while the setup and movement remain controlled.

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At a glance

EquipmentBarbell
Experience levelIntermediate
Movement patternElbow extension
Primary muscleTriceps
Barbell skull crusher: Exercise illustration (start) Barbell skull crusher: Exercise illustration (peak)
Exercise data by RepDB (repdb.co).

The movement, step by step.

  1. Lie on a bench with a light bar held above the shoulders; use a spotter for the handoff if needed.
  2. Bend the elbows to lower the bar toward the forehead or just behind the head, then extend without moving the upper arms excessively.
  3. Return slowly to the starting position and reset before the next repetition.

Technique cues

  • Move through the elbows with stable upper arms.
  • Keep a firm grip and neutral wrists.

Common mistakes

  • Moving the shoulders to lift a load that is too heavy.
  • Letting the resistance snap back.

Watch & learn

Professional demonstrations, opened on YouTube.

Alternatives

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Educational guidance, not an individual training prescription. Start with a manageable load, work within a comfortable range, and stop if a movement causes pain. Ask a qualified coach for help with an unfamiliar setup. Practice the technique before increasing load. Repetitions and working weight depend on your goals, experience, and individual needs.

Know the movement. Log the work.

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