Exercise Comparison
Band Skull Crusher vs Dumbbell One-Arm Triceps Extension




Side-by-Side
Muscle Analysis
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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.
Dumbbell One-Arm Triceps Extension
Grab a dumbbell and either sit on a military press bench or a utility bench that has a back support on it as you place the dumbbells upright on top of your thighs or stand up straight.
Clean the dumbbell up to bring it to shoulder height and then extend the arm over your head so that the whole arm is perpendicular to the floor and next to your head. The dumbbell should be on top of you. The other hand can be kept fully extended to the side, by the waist, supporting the upper arm that has the dumbbell or grabbing a fixed surface.
Rotate the wrist so that the palm of your hand is facing forward and the pinkie is facing the ceiling. This will be your starting position.
Slowly lower the dumbbell behind your head as you hold the upper arm stationary. Inhale as you perform this movement and pause when your triceps are fully stretched.
Return to the starting position by flexing your triceps as you breathe out. Tip: It is imperative that only the forearm moves. The upper arm should remain at all times stationary next to your head.
Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions and switch arms.
Verdict
Both exercises target the triceps. Band Skull Crusher is a beginner exercise using bands, while Dumbbell One-Arm Triceps Extension is intermediate and uses dumbbell. Choose Band Skull Crusher if you're looking for a more accessible option, or Dumbbell One-Arm Triceps Extension for a greater challenge.