- While holding a barbell or EZ Curl bar with a pronated grip (palms facing forward), lie on your back on a flat bench with your head close to the end of the bench. Tip: If you are holding a barbell grab it using a shoulder-width grip and if you are using an E-Z Bar grab it on the inner handles.
- Extend your arms in front of you and slowly bring the bar back in a semi circular motion (while keeping the arms extended) to a position over your head. At the end of this step your arms should be overhead and parallel to the floor. This will be your starting position. Tip: Keep your elbows in at all times.
- As you inhale, lower the bar by bending at the elbows and while keeping the upper arm stationary. Keep lowering the bar until your forearms are perpendicular to the floor.
- As you exhale bring the bar back up to the starting position by pushing the bar up in a semi-circular motion until the lower arms are also parallel to the floor. Contract the triceps hard at the top of the movement for a second. Tip: Again, only the forearms should move. The upper arms should remain stationary at all times.
- Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Variation: You can use dumbbells to make the exercise more challenging.
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Tip: Lying Close-Grip Barbell Triceps Extension Behind The Head
Nov 11, 2011 3:18 PM: I usually start with skullcrushers behind the head but once I feel like I'm going into failure I switch it to skullcrushers to the chin, it helps you do more reps for that sweet burn.
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Review: Lying Close-Grip Barbell Triceps Extension Behind The Head
Jul 30, 2011 12:49 PM: This is one of my favorite exercises for the Triceps!
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Review: Lying Close-Grip Barbell Triceps Extension Behind The Head
Jul 29, 2011 9:14 PM: I love to do skull crushers at any angle, there great for strength but, after i hurt my left wrist in wrestling i can't do them with a bar anymore.
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Tip: Lying Close-Grip Barbell Triceps Extension Behind The Head
Mar 8, 2011 12:42 PM: Excellent for triceps building... especially the long head.
However... the video is different to the pictures?? = I do it like the guy in the pictures though.
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Review: Lying Close-Grip Barbell Triceps Extension Behind The Head
Aug 16, 2010 1:00 PM: For the beginner or expert and it works. Everytime you perform this exercise add more weight. Keep adding weight and see the results. Nothing happens overnight but give it a month or two and be surprized at the gains.
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Review: Lying Close-Grip Barbell Triceps Extension Behind The Head
Jul 23, 2010 8:59 PM: Nothing can beat this Gruesome exercise !! a.k.a Skull Crushers . Just don't drop the weight on your face
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Tip: Lying Close-Grip Barbell Triceps Extension Behind The Head
May 17, 2010 11:47 AM: Greatest ever.
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Tip: Lying Close-Grip Barbell Triceps Extension Behind The Head
Nov 3, 2009 12:11 AM: If you can't perform any more repetitions and still want some negatives, pull the bar to your chest and press it up then perform a negative rep. Continue until you can't take it or you drop the weight on your face.