Exercise Comparison
Bench Press - Powerlifting vs EZ-Bar Skullcrusher
Side-by-Side
Muscle Analysis
Shared
Only in Bench Press - Powerlifting
Instructions
Bench Press - Powerlifting
Begin by lying on the bench, getting your head beyond the bar if possible. Tuck your feet underneath you and arch your back. Using the bar to help support your weight, lift your shoulder off the bench and retract them, squeezing the shoulder blades together. Use your feet to drive your traps into the bench. Maintain this tight body position throughout the movement.
However wide your grip, it should cover the ring on the bar. Pull the bar out of the rack without protracting your shoulders. Focus on squeezing the bar and trying to pull it apart.
Lower the bar to your lower chest or upper stomach. The bar, wrist, and elbow should stay in line at all times.
Pause when the barbell touches your torso, and then drive the bar up with as much force as possible. The elbows should be tucked in until lockout.
EZ-Bar Skullcrusher
Using a close grip, lift the EZ bar and hold it with your elbows in as you lie on the bench. Your arms should be perpendicular to the floor. This will be your starting position.
Keeping the upper arms stationary, lower the bar by allowing the elbows to flex. Inhale as you perform this portion of the movement. Pause once the bar is directly above the forehead.
Lift the bar back to the starting position by extending the elbow and exhaling.
Repeat.
Verdict
Both exercises target the triceps. Bench Press - Powerlifting is a intermediate exercise using barbell, while EZ-Bar Skullcrusher is beginner and uses e-z curl bar. Choose EZ-Bar Skullcrusher if you're looking for a more accessible option, or Bench Press - Powerlifting for a greater challenge. Bench Press - Powerlifting is a compound movement working multiple joints, making it better for overall strength. EZ-Bar Skullcrusher isolates the target muscle for focused development.