The barbell lying tricep extension also known as the french press exercise/skull crushers exercise is one of my favourite exercises to work my triceps.
I am going to outline the correct way in which to perform a lying tricep extension (skullcrushers exercise) to build big and strong triceps.
Barbell Lying Tricep Extension Video
Click the play button to start the video.
Lying Tricep Extension (skullcrushers exercise) Technique
The lying tricep extension (AKA french press exercise) is one of the best tricep building exercises in existence. See my post about building big triceps in this post. Sit on a flat exercise bench or the floor if you don’t have one and lay down holding a barbell with an overhand grip with your hands shoulder width apart over your chest. Keeping your elbows fixed and not pointing out, lower the bar past your forehead. Pause, then squeeze your triceps to bring them back to the original position still keeping your elbows fixed. Do not lock your elbows out and continue for your prescribed amount of reps.
To get full benefit out of this exercise, mix up the rep ranges, using 6-15 reps to build muscle using fatigue, and 1-4 reps using heavy weights for strength without going to failure. Watch this video for some great tips on building muscle, alternating between muscle mass and strength reps.
French Press Exercise Tips
Make sure you keep your elbows in during the lying tricep extension, they will have a tendency to move outward but consciously keep them tucked in. Don’t lock out as this will take away tension off the triceps.
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