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Exercise guide

Band Skull Crusher

How to do the Band Skull Crusher with correct form, the muscles it works, and where it fits a training plan you actually stick to.

IsolationBandsBeginnerPush
Primary muscles

Triceps

Secondary

,

Equipment

Bands

Step by step

How to do the Band Skull Crusher

  1. 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. 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. 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.

In Ascend

Log it, see it on your body.

Every Band Skull Crusher set you log feeds Ascend's anatomy heatmap, so your triceps volume is visible at a glance, and counts toward your bodyweight-strength tier.

Related

More triceps exercises

FAQ

Band Skull Crusher: common questions

What muscles does the Band Skull Crusher work?

The Band Skull Crusher primarily works the Triceps.

Is the Band Skull Crusher suitable for beginners?

Yes. The Band Skull Crusher is a beginner-level exercise, so it's a solid choice if you're new to training. Start light and focus on the movement pattern before adding load.

What equipment do I need for the Band Skull Crusher?

To do the Band Skull Crusher you'll need resistance bands.

Is the Band Skull Crusher a compound or isolation exercise?

The Band Skull Crusher is an isolation exercise, it targets the triceps through a single joint, which makes it useful for focused, targeted work.

How do I do the Band Skull Crusher with correct form?

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. Follow the full step-by-step above for the complete movement.

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