Skull Crusher (Cable): how to do it and muscles worked
The skull crusher (cable) mainly works your triceps. You need a cable machine.
Muscles worked
Main
How to do the skull crusher (cable)
- 1
Set a cable to a low pulley with a rope or bar. Lie on a flat bench with your head near the stack, grab the attachment and hold it over your chest with arms straight.
- 2
Bend at the elbows to lower the handle toward your forehead or behind your head. Extend your arms to return, squeezing your triceps at the top.
- 3
Lower slowly over 3 seconds while the cable keeps constant tension. Breathe in as you lower and out as you press, with your upper arms fixed.
Form tip: Keep your elbows pointing up and not flaring; if the stack pulls your arms backward, lighten the weight.
Common questions
- Which muscles does the skull crusher (cable) work?
- The skull crusher (cable) mainly works your triceps.
- What equipment do I need for the skull crusher (cable)?
- You need a cable machine.
- How many sets and reps should I do?
- A common starting point is 2 to 4 sets of 8 to 12 controlled reps, with a weight that leaves a couple of reps in reserve. Adjust it to your goal and experience, and stop if something hurts.
- How do I track the skull crusher (cable) in SweatByte?
- Add it to a routine or a workout. Log the weight and reps for each set. SweatByte shows your last session's numbers on every set, so you know what to beat.
More triceps exercises
General information, not medical advice. Learn the movement with light weight first, and see a doctor or physiotherapist if you have an injury or pain. More guides in Learn.