Exercise Comparison
Band Skull Crusher vs Incline Push-Up Close-Grip
Side-by-Side
Muscle Analysis
Shared
Only in Incline Push-Up Close-Grip
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.
Incline Push-Up Close-Grip
Stand facing a Smith machine bar or sturdy elevated platform at an appropriate height.
Place your hands next to one another on the bar.
Position your feet back from the bar with arms and body straight. This will be your starting position.
Keeping your body straight, lower your chest to the bar by bending the arms.
Return to the starting position by extending the elbows, pressing yourself back up.
Verdict
Both exercises target the triceps. Band Skull Crusher is a beginner exercise using bands, while Incline Push-Up Close-Grip is beginner and uses bodyweight. Choose Band Skull Crusher if you have access to bands, or Incline Push-Up Close-Grip if you prefer bodyweight. Incline Push-Up Close-Grip is a compound movement working multiple joints, making it better for overall strength. Band Skull Crusher isolates the target muscle for focused development.