Arms·Barbell·Compound
Decline Close-Grip Bench To Skull Crusher
Triceps · Barbell
Intermediate
Body Part
Arms
Equipment
Barbell
Level
Intermediate
Type
Compound
Force
Push
The Decline Close-Grip Bench To Skull Crusher is an intermediate barbell exercise that primarily targets the Triceps.
Muscles Worked
In Position


How to Do the Decline Close-Grip Bench To Skull Crusher
- 1Secure your legs at the end of the decline bench and slowly lay down on the bench.
- 2Using 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.
- 3Now lower the bar down to your lower chest as you breathe in. Keep the elbows in as you perform this movement.
- 4Using the triceps to push the bar back up, press it back to the starting position as you exhale.
- 5As 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.
- 6Lift the bar back to the starting position by contracting the triceps and exhaling.
- 7Repeat steps 3-6 until the recommended amount of repetitions is performed.
Related Exercises
Dumbbell
Close-Grip Dumbbell Press
Triceps · Dumbbell
EZ Bar
Close-Grip EZ-Bar Press
Triceps · EZ Bar
Bodyweight
Close-Grip Push-Up off of a Dumbbell
Triceps · Bodyweight
Dumbbell
Decline Dumbbell Triceps Extension
Triceps · Dumbbell
Barbell
Decline EZ Bar Triceps Extension
Triceps · Barbell
Machine
Dip Machine
Triceps · Machine
Exercise data from the open-source Free Exercise DB. Library last reviewed June 22, 2026 · How these guides are written