Skull crushers, or lying overhead tricep extensions, are effective workouts that target the triceps muscles. With your arms outstretched and a dumbbell or barbell raised over your head, execute this exercise while lying flat on a bench. Lower the weight towards your forehead while maintaining a stationary elbow position. Bend your elbows until they form a 90-degree angle. After that, extend your arms back to the beginning position by contracting your triceps. Strength and definition are largely developed in the long head of the triceps through this exercise. Lying overhead triceps extensions help develop upper arm strength, a great complement to any resistance training program.
Dumbbell Lying Tricep Extensions
A great way to target and improve the triceps muscles is to perform dumbbell lying triceps extensions or skull crushers. With arms above your chest and a dumbbell in each hand, execute this exercise while lying flat on a bench. Bend your elbows to form a 90-degree angle, but do not move them as you lower the dumbbells toward your ears. To return your arms to the beginning position, flex your triceps. Strength and definition are enhanced by this exercise, which mainly targets the long head of the triceps. Dumbbell lying triceps extensions are an excellent way to strengthen your upper arms, and you can modify the weight to suit your fitness level.
Barbell Lying Tricep Extensions
Skull crushers, or barbell lying tricep extensions, are practical complex exercises that work the triceps muscles. Lie on a flat bench with a barbell above your chest and your arms fully extended to complete this exercise. Bending your elbows toward the ceiling, bring the barbell down toward your forehead while maintaining a firm grip. Lower the bar until your elbows are at a 90-degree angle, then extend your arms to press the barbell back up to the beginning position. This exercise primarily targets the triceps’ long head, which helps build upper arm strength and definition. A barbell lying triceps extension is a valuable supplement to any upper-body exercise program.
Triceps Lying Tricep Extensions
To execute lying tricep extensions:
- Lie on a flat bench with your back against it.
- Hold the weight (dumbbells or barbells) above your chest, arms fully extended.
- Lower the weight towards your forehead by bending your elbows.
- Keep your upper arms stationary throughout the movement.
- Extend your arms back to the starting position, focusing on contracting the triceps.
Lying tricep extensions are a staple in triceps-focused workouts and are excellent for building strength and muscle definition in the triceps.