Exercise Comparison
Band Skull Crusher vs Standing Overhead Barbell Triceps Extension




Side-by-Side
Muscle Analysis
Shared
Only in Standing Overhead Barbell Triceps Extension
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.
Standing Overhead Barbell Triceps Extension
To begin, stand up holding a barbell or e-z bar using a pronated grip (palms facing forward) with your hands closer than shoulder width apart from each other. Your feet should be about shoulder width apart.
Now elevate the barbell above your head until your arms are fully extended. Keep your elbows in. This will be your starting position.
Keeping your upper arms close to your head and elbows in, perpendicular to the floor, lower the resistance in a semicircular motion behind your head until your forearms touch your biceps. Tip: The upper arms should remain stationary and only the forearms should move. Breathe in as you perform this step.
Go back to the starting position by using the triceps to raise the barbell. Breathe out as you perform this step.
Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Verdict
Both exercises target the triceps. Band Skull Crusher is a beginner exercise using bands, while Standing Overhead Barbell Triceps Extension is beginner and uses barbell. Choose Band Skull Crusher if you have access to bands, or Standing Overhead Barbell Triceps Extension if you prefer barbell.