Exercise Comparison
Band Skull Crusher vs Bench Press - Powerlifting
Side-by-Side
Muscle Analysis
Shared
Only in Bench Press - Powerlifting
Instructions
Band Skull Crusher
Secure a band to the base of a rack or the bench. Lay on the bench so that the band is lined up with your head.
Take hold of the band, raising your elbows so that the upper arm is perpendicular to the floor. With the elbow flexed, the band should be above your head. This will be your starting position.
Extend through the elbow to straighten your arm, keeping your upper arm in place. Pause at the top of the motion, and return to the starting position.
Bench Press - Powerlifting
Begin by lying on the bench, getting your head beyond the bar if possible. Tuck your feet underneath you and arch your back. Using the bar to help support your weight, lift your shoulder off the bench and retract them, squeezing the shoulder blades together. Use your feet to drive your traps into the bench. Maintain this tight body position throughout the movement.
However wide your grip, it should cover the ring on the bar. Pull the bar out of the rack without protracting your shoulders. Focus on squeezing the bar and trying to pull it apart.
Lower the bar to your lower chest or upper stomach. The bar, wrist, and elbow should stay in line at all times.
Pause when the barbell touches your torso, and then drive the bar up with as much force as possible. The elbows should be tucked in until lockout.
Verdict
Both exercises target the triceps. Band Skull Crusher is a beginner exercise using bands, while Bench Press - Powerlifting is intermediate and uses barbell. Choose Band Skull Crusher if you're looking for a more accessible option, or Bench Press - Powerlifting for a greater challenge. Bench Press - Powerlifting is a compound movement working multiple joints, making it better for overall strength. Band Skull Crusher isolates the target muscle for focused development.