Barbell Skull Crusher to Press
The skull crusher to press combines a lying tricep extension with a close-grip press in one fluid motion. This hybrid exercise overloads the triceps by using the chest to assist at the bottom of each rep.
How to Perform
Lie on a flat bench with a barbell held at arms length, hands shoulder width apart.
Lower the bar to your forehead by bending only at the elbows — this is the skull crusher portion.
Once the bar reaches your forehead, drop your elbows back and bring the bar to your chest.
Press the bar back up to lockout using both your triceps and chest, then straighten the elbows to reset.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Not separating the skull crusher from the press — it should be two distinct phases in one rep.
Flaring the elbows wide during the skull crusher portion, which shifts load off the triceps.
Using too much weight, which makes the skull crusher portion dangerous.
Muscle Activation
Variations
Track your Barbell Skull Crusher to Press progress with Revy
Log your sets, see your strength gains over time, and get AI-powered recommendations to break through plateaus.