Decline Close-Grip Bench To Skull Crusher
Decline Close-Grip Bench To Skull Crusher is an intermediate compound barbell exercise that mainly works your triceps, with help from your chest and shoulders.


How to do the decline close-grip bench to skull crusher
- Secure your legs at the end of the decline bench and slowly lay down on the bench.
- Using a close grip (a grip that is slightly less than shoulder width), lift the bar from the rack and hold it straight over you with your arms locked and elbows in. The arms should be perpendicular to the floor. This will be your starting position. Tip: In order to protect your rotator cuff, it is best if you have a spotter help you lift the barbell off the rack.
- Now lower the bar down to your lower chest as you breathe in. Keep the elbows in as you perform this movement.
- Using the triceps to push the bar back up, press it back to the starting position as you exhale.
- As you breathe in and you keep the upper arms stationary, bring the bar down slowly by moving your forearms in a semicircular motion towards you until you feel the bar slightly touch your forehead. Breathe in as you perform this portion of the movement.
- Lift the bar back to the starting position by contracting the triceps and exhaling.
- Repeat steps 3-6 until the recommended amount of repetitions is performed.
Muscles worked
Sets and reps
For strength, do 3-5 sets of 5-8 reps with 2-3 minutes of rest. For muscle growth, 3-4 sets of 8-12 reps with 90 seconds of rest. Add a little weight when you hit the top of the range on every set.
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Start your free trialDecline Close-Grip Bench To Skull Crusher alternatives
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Triceps PushdownCable · BeginnerFAQ
What muscles does the decline close-grip bench to skull crusher work?
It mainly works your triceps; your chest and shoulders assist.
How many sets and reps of decline close-grip bench to skull crusher should I do?
For strength, do 3-5 sets of 5-8 reps with 2-3 minutes of rest. For muscle growth, 3-4 sets of 8-12 reps with 90 seconds of rest. Add a little weight when you hit the top of the range on every set.
Is the decline close-grip bench to skull crusher good for beginners?
It suits lifters with some experience. Beginners can start with a lighter weight or one of the alternatives below.