EZ-bar skullcrusher-

The EZ-bar skullcrusher is a popular exercise targeting the triceps muscles. Contrary to what the name implies, the bar should actually come down behind the head. It is usually performed for moderate to high reps as part of an upper-body or arms-focused workout.

Benefits

  1. Builds bigger and stronger triceps
  2. The EZ-bar is easier on the wrists than a straight bar
  3. Effective even with relatively light weights
8.1
Average

EZ-bar skullcrusher- Images

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EZ-bar skullcrusher- Instructions

EZ-bar skullcrusher- muscle diagram
  1. Lie on a flat bench with either an e-z bar (my preference) or a straight bar placed on the floor behind your head and your feet on the floor.
  2. Grab the bar behind you, using a medium overhand (pronated) grip, and raise the bar in front of you at arms length. Tip: The arms should be perpendicular to the torso and the floor. The elbows should be tucked in. This is the starting position.
  3. As you breathe in, slowly lower the weight until the bar lightly touches your forehead while keeping the upper arms and elbows stationary.
  4. At that point, use the triceps to bring the weight back up to the starting position as you breathe out.
  5. Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

Caution: This is an exercise that you need to be very careful with when selecting the weight. Also, if you suffer from elbow problems this exercise might be too harsh on your elbows, so you may need to look for a substitute.

Variations:

  • There are a few variations of this exercise. You can perform it on a decline bench as opposed to a flat bench.
  • You can also perform it using dumbbells in which case the palms of the hands will be facing each other as opposed to facing forward.
  • Also, you can try to do it using a revere grip (palms facing you) but this variation seems to strain my wrists.