Barbell Lying Carter-Extension
Triceps·Flat Bench·Intermediate
Barbell Skull Crusher
The barbell skull crusher is a lying triceps extension performed with a straight barbell. It overloads all three heads of the triceps with a heavy pressing-style movement while the elbows stay fixed overhead.
Category
Strength
Difficulty
Beginner
Movement
Isolation
Bodyweight
No
Sculpt
How to
How to do the Barbell Skull Crusher
- 01
Lie flat on a bench holding a straight barbell with a shoulder-width pronated grip, arms extended above your chest.
- 02
Keeping your upper arms vertical, hinge at the elbows to lower the bar toward the top of your forehead.
- 03
Stop just before the bar touches your forehead.
- 04
Drive the bar back up by extending at the elbows.
- 05
Squeeze the triceps at the top without fully locking out.
- 06
Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.
Performance tips
Cues that matter
- Keep the elbows pointed toward the ceiling — do not let them flare out.
- Use a slow eccentric to protect the elbows.
- Start with lighter loads than a dumbbell version since the bar locks the wrists into a fixed position.
Common questions
Frequently asked
What muscles does the Barbell Skull Crusher work?
The Barbell Skull Crusher primarily targets the Triceps.
Is the Barbell Skull Crusher a compound or isolation exercise?
The Barbell Skull Crusher is an isolation exercise, meaning it focuses on a single muscle group through one joint movement.
What equipment do I need for the Barbell Skull Crusher?
You need the following equipment: Barbell, Weight Plates, Bench.
What difficulty level is the Barbell Skull Crusher?
The Barbell Skull Crusher is rated as beginner difficulty. It is suitable for those new to resistance training.
