How To: Skull Crushers

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[@ScottHermanFitness]

*💪 CLICK THAT NOTIFICATION BELL SO YOU NEVER MISS AN UPLOAD!* Heavy skull crushers are great for building your triceps, but don't go so heavy that you sacrifice form.

[@MrYasp]

ScottHermanFitness shut up

[@RickMartinYouTube]

thanks, helpful SH.

[@SellswordCC]

@@MrYasp rofl! :D

[@nitinrajputworld8597]

Thanks bro you helping us.

[@nabanitasaha7903]

🙏

[@ConquerThroughChrist]

Here 10 years later and your showing me how to do all the workouts my plan consist of, thank for helping me get HUGE brother 🤝

[@BassBunnyMusic]

Same!

[@RichXO]

Same

[@malachicook3616]

Same!

[@deultidecarolanimations7074]

How’s your gains going?

[@ConquerThroughChrist]

@@deultidecarolanimations7074 hurt my back by doordashing and being in the car too much so they’ve slowed down but still pushing through

[@711Slurpies]

Scott always get down to it. No filler. Just shows you what to do and I love it. It never wastes time.

[@piratebri]

But he definitely knows his stuff. I like that he stresses the importance of good form and posture because so many people at the gym are damaging their joints by improper form.

[@Hectrix]

Damn 11 years later

[@NovaVortex]

@@Hectrix bro shits crazy…

[@fracture13r43]

@@NovaVortex yh

[@sheikhnayeem4796]

12 years...

[@death.xy_____]

​@@sheikhnayeem4796 bro shits crazy...

[@JKJefferson]

I’ve been doing these completely wrong and have definitely felt a pain in elbow. Great video

[@konradbott350]

Same!

[@logdogs9974]

same that’s why searched it up because of what my elbows were feeling

[@Einstellung]

lol same here only ive been getting pain in wrists.. and the past 2 vids I found said do it to the skull.... man now im gonna double check everything

[@JKJefferson]

@@Einstellung yea sometimes you gotta see the right way to do or exercise or risk messing yourself up lol

[@perryperryprince3242]

Same fucking hell

[@martinmuthee8886]

Love the video. No unnecessary anecdotes unlike in so many similar videos: Succinct and Straight to the point.

[@quench4359]

I was doing these wrong and felt it in my shoulder right away. I’m glad I started working out last week so I get on top of it right away!

[@rasal-abed1878]

A 13 years old video is more useful than our modern videos ❤

[@Jungleali]

Word

[@wichotrucking9152]

I like how that turbo sounds 🙌🏽😝

[@ScottHermanFitness]

Tsssssst! :-D

[@wichotrucking9152]

You just earned a new subscriber I was looking how to do these and your video was the first one I clicked on !💪🏽 not even ATHLEAN-X likes the ones that are almost touching your forehead he likes the ones you showed on this video ! Great job amigo 😎🙌🏽

[@ScottHermanFitness]

Thanks Luis! Welcome to the community my friend :-D

[@robboss1839]

This boy sounds like a TiAL

[@rossbarker727]

Great Scott!! (Back to the future) 🥳 I keep coming back to your videos time and again. Always really helpful for technique. Cheers for all you do

[@loleary100]

I'm putting together a schedule now and every exercise I am not sure how to do perfectly I come to this page. You're a beast Scott!

[@ScottHermanFitness]

@MrJscotti No, actually you are 100% wrong. You can do the exercise both ways. I refuse to do them "to my face" because it was putting too much pressure on my elbows as I was starting to crush 125lbs. Bringing the bar behind your head takes the weight off the join and keeps the triceps engaged throughout the whole exercise.

[@nikemilon4374]

Your just transferring all that pressure from your elbows to your shoulders 🤷🏻

[@markuax5046]

@@nikemilon4374 Ain't that better? So you don't literaly kill your elbows?

[@emanuelgarcia7946]

Yes even with dumbbells if your doing it wrong you’ll feel it in your joints

[@GOF313]

@@nikemilon4374 It's likely going to be harder doing it this way because I assume nooby lifters will likely engage the lats more through this way than the actual triceps. I'd just stick with dumbbells.

[@lunarskyye2680]

Scott's videos are the best for beginners. Short, quick and to the point. If you're just starting out I'd also recommend Jeremy Ethier.

[@Cradle2Venus]

something that should be mentioned, for correct form and injury prevention remember to keep your wrist stationary/locked so your hand is parallel to your forearm. No flexing or loosening and tightening. Some people are complaining of shoulders, consider adjusting your grip slightly wider. This workout is killer underhanded as well, but make sure you have the forearm strength so you don't drop it on your face.

[@mikeb4208]

Thanks a lot had elbow surgery about 9 months ago this help me a lot I love skull crushers but couldn’t perform them anymore now I can hardly feel any tension on the elbow 👍🏾

[@toastergod3279]

12 years later man is still helping so many

[@TylerHNothing]

You and Athlean X recommend putting the arms behind you and pushing the arms out instead of up. This has helped so much! Before, I would go straight up based on what I'd seen from others. This was causing a ton of elbow pain after just 2 sessions of the exercise until I found this video. After doing how you and Jeff recommend, my triceps burn so hard but my elbows don't hurt. I feel like I can more comfortably overload the muscles. Great tutorial

[@dmo530]

Thanks again Scott. Your videos are always helpful.

[@thelaxinlonghorn]

So grateful for the tips! My elbows were feeling it

[@timothyedwards3623]

I'm doing German Volume Training the past 3 weeks and this is on one of my 4 workdays so it is good to see the reps visually

[@superpenguins4080]

Mi

[@yourworshiptv]

Thank you Scott. I love the breakdown. It's the best I've seen

[@Inf7cted]

so trying this tomorrow. Thanks for the tips man!

[@editsbyali7883]

It's the best excercise to grow the triceps so far I've tried all but this one has the best results so far.

[@imadalbalushi3867]

This fucking legend just helped me fix my joint pain and properly feel my long head and the video was made 10 years ago. Quality content> newer content. Subscriber earnt.

[@boomboomkawabanga]

I love it when you get tips that make sense! From me and my elbows, a big thank you!!

[@WWERULEZ1000]

Scott when I perform skullcrushers this way, I get a tremendous amount of pain in my rotator cuffs. I found that skullcrushers on a decline bench to the mouth/chin are much better because of the extra RoM and how it takes pressure off the elbow joint. Lee Hayward likes these...

[@joshflorio]

So easy to follow, thank you man!

[@tilakrajgolari1577]

Hey scott,thanks for the tip to push the bar outwards.I was searching for a movement to protect my elbows....

[@ghostxantonio1384]

Causally doing 80 lol

[@Switcheroo1]

Haha fr.. and I’m over here thinking 50 is hard

[@XXXDomtacion]

@@Switcheroo1I’m only doing 40💀

[@jacobdavis5518]

EXTREMELY HELPFUL THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR THIS VIDEO UPLOAD!

[@GoodLifeGodLike]

@ScottHermanFitness Scott is actually right here and I can attest to that. When done to the forehead it places much more stress on the elbows. The closer your upper arms come to 90 degrees the more the elbow acts as a fulcrum. My elbow pain goes away when done the way Scott demonstrates it.

[@adityachouhan1533]

I have learnt the proper form of every workout for my plan from you ..... Thanks a lot mate

[@elbabatunde8580]

This might just be the best instructional fitness channel in existence.

[@rodykingston9871]

I like the nice short demonstration and that you have knowledge on how to protect your joints. you have a new subscriber.

[@MikeRyanLR]

you’re a good teacher, thanks bro

[@jaes916]

Thanks for the vid, ive been doing nose crushers and elbow stress has been limiting my reps. Gonna give these a try today

[@mrpzak]

Same. I’d get into essentially a bench position and bring the bar down to like my forehead. Haven’t had elbow pain, but glad I found this before it happened

[@osky1416]

I've done that the gym and it is not easy but it is effective. Thanks for the tip Scott!

[@Umesh_singh23]

to the point and very informative. thanks

[@bendagostino4244]

You're one of the only people on KZbin I've seen do these correctly.

[@DRod79]

A lot of people saying this is Wrong , they are actually the incorrect ones. Scott is doing this exercise right! This way you get more of a stretch and it keeps constant tension on the triceps. Great Vid Scott. Keep them COming!

[@eszqsx1000]

Thanks for the help Scott!

[@alexander6762]

You don't understand how much you help people like me. I work out a lot but im so clumbsy. Small things such as "when you're done, drop it" helps out. I'd be that idiot that tries to carry it with me on my way up.

[@fhmohy1938]

Same 😂😂

[@Packett1364]

Thanks for the help man! I appreciate it

[@nutty5036]

I’m new to the gym and this helped me a lot thanks

[@me160]

13 years old video but all your videos are my go to at the gym!! Thanks so much !

[@cogunlover5550]

Thanks Scott. Appreciate your help

[@azeddinerabahi3706]

Great video really helped with the elbow pain ✅ excellent technic

[@YouTube_Enjoyerlol]

This exercise increased my triceps size substantially. I recommend it

[@NightclubPegasus1]

I like that drop, way safer than sitting up after a set, here's hoping PF doesn't pull the lunk alarm on me for that.

[@latanyasm17]

Thank you. I was given a challenge to do these an vs had no idea what they were. Very well explained

[@Cammandopeele]

This is awesome I love skull crushers and the different variations

[@lordbywargard5798]

All the excercises work and are proven thank you!!!!

[@damiancontreras5244]

Thank you I love this exercises

[@dojuanbrown6665]

Nice form!!!

[@kbling5000]

dude, seriously, your videos have been a huge help!

[@ulysses4989]

Old comment

[@mjagomez]

ill try this one, ive been doing it directly over my face, thanx man this is safer

[@maxmartinez1040]

You’re the best man!

[@birdineye4738]

I've been told "it's a skill crusher for a reason, aim at your forehead when lowering" but you bringing up your point "it'll damage your joints" is fair sounding to me. Thanks for the advice.

[@jakegamesnake]

lol he always does that smile at the end. it's almost like a smiley

[@Njderig]

@Njderig Part 3: Don't neglect your back. Heavy barbell rows, one arm dumbell rows, t-bar chest supported rows and chin-ups. These are more important than any bicep exercise. Make sure to always go hard on your back. Just remember, your back is your foundation to building biceps. So when you bring it all together with heavy basic freeweight back exercises and add the bicep routine I gave you, you will get very strong and build permanent slabs of muscle to your biceps. This Works!

[@xsKiitz]

Finally, a quality instructor who explains things well and is easy to understand. Solid video broski. Keep em comin.

[@ulysses4989]

Lol

[@persian-k4i]

@@ulysses4989 lol

[@SYEDSHAZEB46013]

@@persian-k4i lol wahts funny

[@kazikmajster5650]

*I'VE BEEN DOING IT WRONG! OMG THANKS HERMAN!*

[@pnutbutrncrackers]

IMO one of the best builds I've seen on YT. Not grotesque and hulking, but sculpted, muscular, and fit. Looks 'natural'. Personally I'd never want to be bigger than he is (in fact not quite as large in chest & biceps), but I'm a (former) basketball player. Props, man. Good attitude, too.

[@Potato-ot9dl]

If nobody got me then I know Scott Herman got me.

[@batdude811]

Important points to remember: 1. Rest the bar on your thighs/just above the knee to take the weight and drop backwards on the bench. 2. To maintain tension you angle your arms towards your head at roughly 45 degrees. 3. Grip width should be natural in prone position. An EZ bar has a place to guide grip width in its shaping. 4. Lower the bar to behind the head achieving full range of motion. 5. Raise the bar to start position. If you use dumbbells: The differences are: 1. Your hands will be in neutral position. 2. You lower the weights above and next to the side of your head.

[@limonani]

when you perform this exercise the way scott did... he is working more of his triceps LONG HEAD which is responsible for extension of elbow, and extension of the arm at the shoulder.. so this method is a great way to do skull crushers as he is bringing the bar behind his head so he is getting max benefit of the exercise especially in his long head which some people lack size of.

[@florianmuller8297]

I know this is 10 years old bjt thank you! Was really wondering what the difference is :)

[@sydguitar99]

Wow Scott with the clutch fitness vids

[@ericsparks]

Subscribed! Great instruction!

[@Operation1.0]

goodluck buddy, your videos helps to how to do exercises correct thanks

[@jayram06]

Many people dont know how to do skull crushers. The way he does it is the correct way and emphasizes the long head alot more which gives you that horse shoe shape and plus you are saving your elbows in the long run

[@matthewc3536]

You’re the goat bro

[@sweetcheex]

Great vid, I was having troubles with my joints doing it the old fashioned way, left shoulder felt like it was gonna pop any second, yuck!

[@JoseRX95]

12 years to find this useful video thanks for the info.

[@goodguy1480]

Best intro man ever

[@prstation1363]

I've been doing the Skullcrusher since football training in high school the wrong way and I'm just now realizing it I'm 27 years old and it took me trying to show the exercise to my wife to show me that I was doing it wrong I looked up a video in the first one I found was Jeff cavaliere yours was by far 10 times better than Jeff's he talks too much and I didn't really understand the differences your video was straightforward much appreciated good job

[@calebhutchings5287]

That intro is amazing! XD

[@SPRS4]

There are all kinds of variations of doing a skull crusher. The conventional way is to bring the weight down to the forehead, then back up, another is to bring the weight down to your chin. Keep in mind, the farther you go down the head and face, the more torque it places on the elbows, hence the reason you get pain in them for many people. What he is showing is a variation that will take a tremendous amount of tq off the elbows, but also makes the movement slightly easier too.

[@berserkerpuck]

Very informative video!

[@ScottHermanFitness]

Glad it was helpful!

[@anbayanyay]

Good tip on the "not damaging your elbows" thing. I think I might have actually done that to myself. Gonna watch that tomorrow (arm day). Not to nitpick but that intro is, what, 23 seconds long... contrast with, say, the Philly Di Franco show which is like 6 seconds. Once people know they're watching your fitness vlog, the job of the intro is done. :-)

[@chrisrhinehart45]

Great explanation I subbed

[@7modyfc812]

great to know this way. thanks for this vid. i was working on wrong way :P

[@xXCoD4pWn3rXx]

@MrJscotti its safer to bring the bar behind your head, and it should still be working your triceps if you use the same motion you would with the bar above your head.

[@Kcorpss1]

hey this is a really good one :)

[@noobragaming9492]

After 11 years... I am Learn form you how to Do this workout thx man

[@DrZiggyzoo1]

@WUDJABEABLE I agree. He's the second person that I've actually seen do it like this. I've tried both ways, and I feel Scott's way isolates my triceps more and it burns and hurts wayyyy more than bringing it to my forehead. So I choose to do it his way.

[@gideonborges3286]

Hi Scott, Would you make a video explaining how to spot someone doing lying skull crushers? I am supposed to spot someone performing this exercise according to negative training. I would help them raise the EZ bar and they would lower it slowly. What would be the right position to grab the bar? It looks there's nothing like this on the internet. It'll be great seeing you doing that. Thanks a lot. You are the greatest anyway.

[@hans2695]

Great LAT exercise

[@seinj9013]

good tip on pushing away from your body, i was starting to get elbow joint pain

[@lukum_]

Here 12 years later and ur showing me hoa to do exerciesss. Thank you

[@tomhedge3852]

good video, added this to my tricep workout and I love it

[@PatrickTheWriter]

Your form is perfect on this exercise. I only have one very minor quibble. Skullcrusher is that worthless exercise where people lower the weight only as far as their forehead and never move the shoulder joint from it's locked position. (That's why it's called a skullcrusher; because the weight goes to your forehead.) What you're doing is called a Lying Triceps Extension. But as I said, that's only a minor point. There are a few videos in which the personal trainer actually does skullcrushers and calls them LTEs. The important factor is that you're demonstrating the much better exercise and your technique is flawless, regardless of what it's called.

[@mcmanpa]

I agree: his technique is very good. I would have liked him mention the importance of keeping his hips on the bench. Some seriously big body builders with massive core strength can occasionally be seen lifting their hips completely off the bench, using only their shoulders as a pivot for the huge weights they're training with; impressionable people often get the wrong impression from them of how to do the exercise.

[@jorikkadan]

Well if that is so, it should really crush the skull..but no one crushes it

[@lots3799]

@@jorikkadan There's no staff to clean up the brains.

[@TheGhostPlanet]

Thank You!

[@sid3668]

very informative video

[@facu1096]

Appreciate it dawg. Thank you

[@lennertcornette]

Finally someone who does it like this. I often heard you shouldn't get the barbell behind your head.

[@craw_daddy97]

Nice. Form is huge here because I was always scared of dropping the barbell on my head during these haha

[@bigplayray09]

I got skull crushers posted on my page as well if you want to see another clip. Scott is telling you all correctly though. I do a decline bench variation sometimes though

[@stevehanson9767]

You can perform this exercise in pretty much the exact same form but keep your head on the bench. I used to bring the bar to my nose, but when I started going behind my head, it kept my upper arms from reaching 90 degrees, and my elbow pain went away.

[@d0x5j0]

Mannnnnnnnnn this is 11 years old. I wish I would have seen this 11 years ago. Great job though. Thanks man

[@martynblackburn9632]

My fav exercise and I always just touch the forehead with the bar before raising it again. Good exercise for triceps.