Lying Triceps Extension

Also known as "skull crushers," this is a staple for building the triceps. Using dumbbells allows for a natural range of motion and saves the wrists.

Exercise Details

Level: Beginner
Body Area: upper
Type: isolation

Required Equipment

Dumbbells

Target Muscle Groups

Primary

Triceps

Secondary

Chest

Setup

Lie on a flat bench. Hold dumbbells over your chest, palms facing each other. Angle your arms slightly back.

Instructions

1. Bend your elbows to lower the weights toward your forehead or ears.
2. Keep your upper arms stationary.
3. Extend the arms back to the peak.
4. Squeeze the triceps hard.
5. Control the weight.

Common Mistakes

1. Flaring the elbows.
2. Moving the upper arms.
3. Arching the back.

Alternative Exercises

Wide Hand Push-Up

Beginner / Bodyweight-only / Chest / push

Increases pectoral recruitment by widening the hand placement. It builds chest mass and shoulder stability while reducing triceps involvement.

Upper Chest Crossovers

Beginner / Cable Crossover Machine / Chest / isolation

A targeted chest exercise for the clavicular head. The low-to-high pulling arc provides a unique stimulus for upper pectoral development.

Triceps Pushdown

Beginner / Hi-Lo Cable Machine / Triceps / push

A primary isolation exercise for the triceps. It focuses on the lateral and medial heads to build strength and definition in the back of the arm.

Triceps Press

Intermediate / Bodyweight-only / Triceps / push

An isolation exercise for the triceps. By using bodyweight and a specific angle, it targets the lateral and long heads for improved arm definition.

Suspended Push-Up

Beginner / Rings / Chest / push

An advanced push-up using a suspension trainer. The instability significantly increases the recruitment of the chest, shoulders, and core stabilizers.

Superman Push-Up

Advanced / Bodyweight-only / Chest / push

An elite-level push-up that develops explosive power and total-body coordination. It targets the chest, shoulders, and core.

Standing Up Straight Crossovers

Beginner / Cable Crossover Machine / Chest / isolation

A standing chest exercise that emphasizes the sternal and lower fibers of the pectorals. Standing upright increases the demand on the core to maintain posture.

Standing Triceps Extension

Beginner / Dumbbells / Triceps / isolation

A classic triceps builder targeting the long head. The overhead position provides a deep stretch, leading to better muscle fiber recruitment and arm mass.