Triceps exercise

Cable Skullcrusher

Elbow extension for triceps with a stable arm. The cable keeps tension throughout the movement.

How to do the Cable Skullcrusher

4 steps, in the order you do them.

Place a flat bench in front of the low cable and lie back with your head toward the machine.
Hold the bar or rope with your arms straight over your forehead, angled slightly toward the cable.
Bend your elbows and lower your hands behind your head, keeping your elbows still.
Extend your elbows and return slowly, without letting the cable pull your arms back.

What goes wrong most often when you do the Cable Skullcrusher, and how to fix it.

The bench is too far from the pulley and the cable doesn't pull from behind your head.
Position the bench with your head toward the low pulley, one step away from it.
You bring the bar up with bent arms and the weight pulls on your shoulders.
Grab the bar while seated, lie back with it on your chest and straighten your arms before you start.
Your arms get dragged back by the cable as you lower.
Keep your arms tilted slightly toward your head and resist the pull of the cable with your elbows still.