Skull Crusher (Lying Triceps Extension) primarily works the triceps. It is categorized as a push movement and uses Barbell and rack and Dumbbell.
- Primary muscles
- triceps
- Equipment
- Barbell and rack and Dumbbell
- Movement pattern
- push
- Catalog difficulty
- 3 of 5
How to do Skull Crusher (Lying Triceps Extension)
- Upper arms vertical, lower toward the forehead
- Keep elbows tucked, extend to straight
Common mistakes
- Flaring the elbows wide
- Moving the upper arms — only the forearms move
Muscles worked
The primary catalog target is triceps. Exercise feel varies with setup, range of motion, and individual anatomy.
Easier and harder options
Easier option: Overhead Rope Tricep Extension
Related exercises and substitutions
A useful substitute should preserve the job this movement has in the session—not merely train a nearby body part. Explore the related Movviva guides below, then compare pattern, target muscles, available equipment, and difficulty.
Overhead Rope Tricep Extension · Overhead Rope Tricep Extension · Cable Tricep Pushdown · Dip · Close-Grip Bench Press · JM Press
Put Skull Crusher (Lying Triceps Extension) into a plan that adapts.
Movviva builds strength, mobility, and conditioning around your goal, schedule, equipment, and completed training—then gives you the next workout with guided targets and smart swaps.