What muscles does the Barbell Skull Crusher work?

The Barbell Skull Crusher mainly works the triceps.

How many sets and reps of the Barbell Skull Crusher?

For strength: 3 to 5 sets of 3 to 6 reps, resting 2 to 3 minutes between sets. For muscle: 3 to 4 sets of 6 to 12 reps (up to 15 on smaller lifts), resting 1 to 2 minutes, ending each set 1 to 3 reps short of failure (RPE 7 to 9). Add a rep or a small amount of weight once every set reaches the top of the range at the same effort.

What can I do instead of the Barbell Skull Crusher?

Band Overhead Triceps Extension, Band Triceps Pushdown, Cable Overhead Rope Triceps Extension and Cable Overhead Triceps Extension work the same main muscle.

Barbell Skull Crusher

Lying on a bench, lower the barbell toward the forehead by bending only at the elbows, then extend to lockout.

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Demo video from YouTube, played in its own player.

Muscles worked: Triceps
Equipment: Barbell
Movement: Push

Sets and reps

For strength: 3 to 5 sets of 3 to 6 reps, resting 2 to 3 minutes between sets.
For muscle: 3 to 4 sets of 6 to 12 reps (up to 15 on smaller lifts), resting 1 to 2 minutes, ending each set 1 to 3 reps short of failure (RPE 7 to 9).
Add a rep or a small amount of weight once every set reaches the top of the range at the same effort.

General ranges, not medical advice. Stop if anything hurts.

Variations

The same movement with other equipment or a different angle.

Alternatives

Other exercises for the triceps, for when the barbell is taken or you want a change.

Questions

What muscles does the Barbell Skull Crusher work?: The Barbell Skull Crusher mainly works the triceps.
What equipment do you need for the Barbell Skull Crusher?: A barbell.
How many sets and reps of the Barbell Skull Crusher?: For strength: 3 to 5 sets of 3 to 6 reps, resting 2 to 3 minutes between sets. For muscle: 3 to 4 sets of 6 to 12 reps (up to 15 on smaller lifts), resting 1 to 2 minutes, ending each set 1 to 3 reps short of failure (RPE 7 to 9). Add a rep or a small amount of weight once every set reaches the top of the range at the same effort.
What can I do instead of the Barbell Skull Crusher?: Band Overhead Triceps Extension, Band Triceps Pushdown, Cable Overhead Rope Triceps Extension and Cable Overhead Triceps Extension work the same main muscle.

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Coaches add the Barbell Skull Crusher to any workout in CoachVana, set the sets, reps, load and rest, and clients see this demo as they train.

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