EZ Bar Skullcrusher

The EZ bar skullcrusher is a lying triceps extension performed with an EZ-curl bar. The angled grip of the EZ bar reduces wrist strain compared to a straight bar while still delivering strong triceps overload, especially to the long head.

Category
Strength
Difficulty
Beginner
Movement
Isolation
Bodyweight
No
Triceps muscle illustration
Sculpt
How to

How to do the EZ Bar Skullcrusher

  1. 01

    Lie flat on a bench and hold an EZ bar with a narrow, pronated grip at arm's length above your chest.

  2. 02

    Keeping your upper arms perpendicular to the floor, bend your elbows to lower the bar toward your forehead.

  3. 03

    Stop just before the bar touches your forehead or hairline.

  4. 04

    Extend through the elbows to drive the bar back to the starting position.

  5. 05

    Squeeze the triceps at the top of the movement without locking out hard.

  6. 06

    Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

Performance tips

Cues that matter

  • Keep your elbows tucked and pointed straight up — avoid flaring them outward.
  • Move only at the elbow joint; don't let the shoulders swing.
  • Use a controlled tempo on the descent to protect the elbows.
Muscles

Muscles worked

Equipment

What you need

Common questions

Frequently asked

What muscles does the EZ Bar Skullcrusher work?

The EZ Bar Skullcrusher primarily targets the Triceps.

Is the EZ Bar Skullcrusher a compound or isolation exercise?

The EZ Bar Skullcrusher is an isolation exercise, meaning it focuses on a single muscle group through one joint movement.

What equipment do I need for the EZ Bar Skullcrusher?

You need the following equipment: E Z Curl Bar, Flat Bench.

What difficulty level is the EZ Bar Skullcrusher?

The EZ Bar Skullcrusher is rated as beginner difficulty. It is suitable for those new to resistance training.

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