Isolation · Isolation
Skull Crusher
Also known as Lying Tricep Extension. Targets Triceps with an optimal working range of 8–12 reps.
Coaching Cues & Execution
Focus on these technical checkpoints on every working set of Skull Crusher:
- 1 Hold barbell or EZ-bar straight above shoulders on flat bench
- 2 Lower bar toward forehead or crown by hinging at elbows
- 3 Extend elbows to return to starting position
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Watch for these form breakdowns as fatigue accumulates across sets:
- ✕ Flaring elbows outward excessively
- ✕ Allowing upper arms to swing forward and backward
Programs Featuring Skull Crusher (7)
5×5 Power-Bro Split (Strength + Bodybuilding)
A 5-day powerbuilding bro split that opens every workout with heavy 5×5 barbell strength work (Squat, Bench, Deadlift, Overhead Press, Barbell Row) followed by high-volume bodybuilding isolation and pump accessories.
PHAT (Power Hypertrophy Adaptive Training)
Layne Norton’s 5-day powerbuilding system combining 2 heavy Upper/Lower Power days (3–5 rep compounds) with 3 high-volume Bodybuilding Hypertrophy days (Back/Shoulders, Lower Body, Chest/Arms).
6-Day Linear Push / Pull / Legs (PPL)
A 6-day Push/Pull/Legs powerbuilding and bodybuilding routine that opens every session with a heavy 5×5 or 3×5 compound barbell lift followed by high-frequency hypertrophy volume.
Arnold Split (6-Day Chest/Back, Shoulders/Arms, Legs)
The classic 6-day Golden Era antagonist bodybuilding split pairing Chest & Back, Shoulders & Arms, and Legs twice per week for high-frequency hypertrophy and compound strength.
Classic 5-Day Bodybuilding Bro Split
A dedicated 5-day bodybuilding split (Chest, Back, Shoulders, Legs, Arms) focused on 8–15 rep hypertrophy volume, muscle isolation, and maximum recovery between body parts.
GZCL Jacked & Tan 2.0 (6-Week Powerbuilding Block)
Cody Lefever’s high-volume 4-day powerbuilding block stepping Tier 1 lifts from 10RM down to a Week 6 1RM peak while driving massive Tier 2 and Tier 3 bodybuilding hypertrophy.
FST-7 Bodybuilding Split (Heavy Anchor + 7-Set Pump)
Hany Rambod–inspired 5-day power-bodybuilding split anchoring each workout with a progressive barbell compound lift before finishing the target muscle group with 7×12 short-rest fascia stretch sets.