Exercise Comparison
Band Skull Crusher vs Close-Grip Push-Up off of a Dumbbell
Side-by-Side
Muscle Analysis
Shared
Only in Close-Grip Push-Up off of a Dumbbell
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.
Close-Grip Push-Up off of a Dumbbell
Lie on the floor and place your hands on an upright dumbbell. Supporting your weight on your toes and hands, keep your torso rigid and your elbows in with your arms straight. This will be your starting position.
Lower your body, allowing the elbows to flex while you inhale. Keep your body straight, not allowing your hips to rise or sag.
Press yourself back up to the starting position by extending the elbows. Breathe out as you perform this step.
After a pause at the contracted position, repeat the movement for the prescribed amount of repetitions.
Verdict
Both exercises target the triceps. Band Skull Crusher is a beginner exercise using bands, while Close-Grip Push-Up off of a Dumbbell is intermediate and uses bodyweight. Choose Band Skull Crusher if you're looking for a more accessible option, or Close-Grip Push-Up off of a Dumbbell for a greater challenge. Close-Grip Push-Up off of a Dumbbell is a compound movement working multiple joints, making it better for overall strength. Band Skull Crusher isolates the target muscle for focused development.