Skull crushers, also known as French press, are an exercise that strengthens triceps. A weight bench is needed, and weights should be chosen based on experience. It’s important to warm up and stretch before starting, and feet should be placed firmly on the ground. Alternative exercises are available.
Skull crushers, sometimes referred to as the French press, are a form of exercise that works to strengthen the triceps. There are a few variations of this exercise, but most people do it primarily lying down. The name was chosen based on the activities involved in skull crushers, which involves lowering weights into the skull. Some people prefer to call them lying triceps extensions, which better describes the actual movement.
Before getting started with skull crushers, some equipment is usually required. A weight bench is the most ideal for lying down because it is designed for exercise and allows movement of the arms and legs. Weights should be chosen taking into account the experience and weight of the person who intends to perform the exercises. Barbells or light weights are the best choice for beginners, and the weight of the item can be increased over time. Most people prefer the barbell because it allows you to distribute the weight evenly.
It’s usually best to do some stretching and warm-up exercises before starting skull crushers to loosen up your muscles. Once all equipment is in place and warmups are complete, both your back and head should be positioned on the weight bench. Weights should be added at this time and lifted directly over the chest. From this position, the arms should be bent toward the head, allowing the elbow to bend. At this point, the forearm and elbow should continue in a flexion motion to complete a set of skull crushers.
Feet should be placed firmly on the floor for support, but never on the weight bench. The number of repetitions for this exercise will depend on the individual and if it doesn’t feel strenuous, the weight or number of repetitions can always be increased. Those who feel shaky or uncomfortable should not attempt to continue with this exercise. Skull crushers can be dangerous because there is a chance that one could drop the weight on their head.
There are alternative exercises that can replace this format for those who are not comfortable with the exercise. Some triceps extension workouts require the person to stand with a light rubber weight in each hand and extend their arms overhead. The movement of the skull crushers is mimicked by bending the arms at the elbow and raising the weights overhead.
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