Lying Close-Grip Barbell Triceps Press To Chin

Also called skull crusher to chin, lying triceps press and ez bar press to chin.

Works

Triceps

Equipment

EZ bar

Level

Intermediate

Type

Isolation

How to do it

Setup. While holding a barbell or EZ Curl bar with a pronated grip (palms facing forward), lie on your back on a flat bench with your head off the end of the bench. Tip: If you are holding a barbell grab it using a shoulder-width grip and if you are using an E-Z Bar grab it on the inner handles.

1. Extend your arms in front of you as you hold the barbell over your chest. The arms should be perpendicular to your torso (90-degree angle). This will be your starting position.
2. As you inhale, lower the bar in a semi-circular motion by bending at the elbows and while keeping the upper arm stationary and elbows in. Keep lowering the bar until it lightly touches your chin.
3. As you exhale bring the bar back up to the starting position by pushing the bar up in a semi-circular motion. Contract the triceps hard at the top of the movement for a second. Tip: Again, only the forearms should move. The upper arms should remain stationary at all times.
4. Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

Cues

• Close grip, arms straight over the chest.
• Lower the bar to the chin.
• Elbows in.
• Press back to lockout.

Common mistakes

• Elbows flaring.
• Upper arms swinging.

Where to start

A starting point, not a law. Pick a weight you could lift two or three more times than the top of the range. Tempo is seconds down, pause, up. When every set hits the top of the range, add a little weight.

Go easy, or pick an alternative, if you have a sore elbow. Pain that's sharp or gets worse set to set means stop.

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