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Exercise Comparison

Band Skull Crusher vs Lying Close-Grip Barbell Triceps Extension Behind The Head

Band Skull Crusher - starting position
Band Skull Crusher - ending position
Band Skull Crusher
beginner·Bands·isolation

Side-by-Side

Band Skull Crusher
VS
Lying Close-Grip Barbell Triceps Extension Behind The Head
beginner
Level
intermediate
Bands
Equipment
Barbell
isolation
Mechanic
isolation
push
Force
push
Strength
Category
Strength
triceps
Primary
triceps
None
Secondary
None

Muscle Analysis

Shared

triceps

Instructions

Band Skull Crusher

1

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.

2

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.

3

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.

Lying Close-Grip Barbell Triceps Extension Behind The Head

1

While holding a barbell or EZ Curl bar with a pronated grip (palms facing forward), lie on your back on a flat bench with your head close to the end of the bench. Tip: If you are holding a barbell grab it using a shoulder-width grip and if you are using an E-Z Bar grab it on the inner handles.

2

Extend your arms in front of you and slowly bring the bar back in a semi circular motion (while keeping the arms extended) to a position over your head. At the end of this step your arms should be overhead and parallel to the floor. This will be your starting position. Tip: Keep your elbows in at all times.

3

As you inhale, lower the bar by bending at the elbows and while keeping the upper arm stationary. Keep lowering the bar until your forearms are perpendicular to the floor.

4

As you exhale bring the bar back up to the starting position by pushing the bar up in a semi-circular motion until the lower arms are also parallel to the floor. Contract the triceps hard at the top of the movement for a second. Tip: Again, only the forearms should move. The upper arms should remain stationary at all times.

5

Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

Verdict

Both exercises target the triceps. Band Skull Crusher is a beginner exercise using bands, while Lying Close-Grip Barbell Triceps Extension Behind The Head is intermediate and uses barbell. Choose Band Skull Crusher if you're looking for a more accessible option, or Lying Close-Grip Barbell Triceps Extension Behind The Head for a greater challenge.

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