If you’re looking to build bigger, stronger triceps, then skull crushers are a go-to exercise for many fitness enthusiasts. As their name suggests, these exercises require you to lower a weight towards your skull, making them a challenging movement that can pack a serious punch. The good news is that, contrary to its name, this workout does not need you to crush your skull! In fact, one of the best exercises for exercising your triceps is the skull crusher.

While skull crushers are often associated with just one exercise, they actually encompass a whole family of triceps-focused movements. In fact, there are numerous ways to perform skull crushers, using a range of implements and angles to create different effects. In this article, we’ll be taking a closer look at one specific variation of this exercise: incline skull crushers. Read on to discover all you need to know about this powerful triceps builder.

What Are Incline Skull Crushers?

If you are looking to add some serious definition to your triceps, Then you might want to give incline skull crushers a try! This exercise gets its name from the way you lower the weight towards your skull while lying on an incline bench. By placing your upper torso at a higher elevation than your hips, you create a challenging angle that really targets the triceps brachii muscle.

To perform this exercise, you can use an EZ curl bar, a straight barbell, or a pair of dumbbells. As you lower the weight towards your head, you’ll be working the elbow extension and flexion biomechanics to build strength and size in your triceps.

Incline Skull Crushers Muscles Worked

When it comes to building strong and defined arms, incline skull crushers are an excellent exercise choice. The primary muscle worked during this movement is the triceps brachii, which is responsible for elbow extension and makes up the majority of your upper arm’s mass.

By isolating and targeting this muscle, you can effectively strengthen and grow your triceps. But that’s not all – incline skull crushers also engage a number of secondary muscles, including the pectoralis major, anterior deltoid, and biceps brachii. These muscles work together to provide stability and support during the exercise, as well as help to create a well-rounded, balanced physique.

How To Do Incline Skull Crushers

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do this exercise with proper form:

1. Set up an incline bench to around a 30-45 degree angle and select a barbell you want to use.
2. Sit on the bench and place the barbell across your thighs.
3. Grasp the barbell with an overhand grip, with your hands slightly closer than shoulder-width apart.
4. Lay back on the bench and hold the barbell straight up in the air with your arms fully extended.
5. Bend your arms slightly to take up the tension in your triceps – this is your starting position.
6. Keeping your elbows completely fixed in place, slowly lower the bar down towards your forehead, maintaining a controlled movement.
7. Pause when the bar is almost touching your forehead, and then slowly extend your arms back up to the starting position, again with controlled movement.
8. Avoid locking your arms and then repeat for desired reps.

Remember to keep your core engaged and maintain proper form throughout the exercise.

Pro Tips For Doing Incline Skull Crushers

Here are some tips to keep in mind when performing incline skull crushers:

• Maintain proper form by keeping your elbows close to your sides throughout the exercise. Avoid letting them flare out to the sides, which can decrease the effectiveness of the workout.
• Control the movement and avoid rushing through the exercise. Focus on squeezing your triceps at the top of each rep for maximum engagement.
• To target the triceps effectively, set the bench at a 30-degree angle. Avoid going beyond 45 degrees, as this will shift the focus away from the triceps and onto the anterior deltoid muscle.
• Avoid positioning your body at an extreme angle, as this can compromise the intended muscle group and activate shoulder muscles instead.

Incline Skull Crushers Benefits

Incline skull crushers are an excellent addition to any triceps workout routine, and they offer a range of benefits that go beyond just building muscle. Here are some of the top benefits of incline skull crushers:

Firstly, incline skull crushers work the tricep muscle through a deep range of motion, which helps to promote muscle growth and development. Additionally, this exercise is gentle on the elbows, making it a great option for those who experience pain or discomfort during other tricep exercises.

Another benefit of incline skull crushers is that they help to protect your elbow joints during other exercises by strengthening the triceps. This can improve your overall lifting performance and help to prevent injury.

Moreover, including incline skull crushers in your workout routine can also improve your performance in complex movements like the bench press, and can also help to add mass to the triceps.

Finally, strengthening your triceps through incline skull crushers can also enhance your functional fitness, making it easier to perform everyday tasks and movements outside of the gym.

Overall, incline skull crushers are an effective and versatile exercise that can benefit anyone looking to improve their tricep strength and overall fitness.

Takeaway

Incline skull crushers are a versatile and effective exercise for building and strengthening the triceps, as well as improving complex movements such as the bench press. By following proper form and technique, and incorporating pro tips such as keeping the elbows in and using a slow and controlled rep timing, you can maximize the benefits of this exercise while minimizing the risk of injury.

It is important to note that incorrect form during incline skull crushers can lead to elbow pain, making it a potential side effect of this workout. Individuals who have previously suffered from elbow injuries, such as tennis elbow, should avoid this exercise altogether. If you experience any discomfort or pain in your elbow during the workout, it is recommended to stop immediately and seek professional advice to avoid further injury.

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned gym-goer, adding incline skull crushers to your workout routine can help you achieve your fitness goals and improve your overall functional fitness.