TETSUBarbell Lying Triceps Extension Skull Crusher vs Triceps Press
The Barbell Lying Triceps Extension Skull Crusher and the Triceps Press both train the triceps as their primary muscle. The Barbell Lying Triceps Extension Skull Crusher uses a barbell while the Triceps Press is bodyweight-only. Here is how they compare and when to pick each.
Side-by-side comparison
| Barbell Lying Triceps Extension Skull Crusher | Triceps Press | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary muscle | triceps | triceps |
| Body part | upper arms | upper arms |
| Supporting muscles | shoulders | shoulders |
| Equipment | barbell | bodyweight |
| Steps in our guide | 5 | 5 |
How each one starts
Barbell Lying Triceps Extension Skull Crusher — first steps
- Lie flat on a bench with your feet flat on the ground and your head at the end of the bench.
- Hold the barbell with an overhand grip, hands shoulder-width apart, and extend your arms straight up over your chest.
Triceps Press — first steps
- Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your knees slightly bent.
- Extend your arms straight out in front of you, parallel to the ground.
Full step-by-step guides are linked below.
Which should you choose?
The Barbell Lying Triceps Extension Skull Crusher lets you load the heaviest weights and progress in small, steady jumps. The Triceps Press needs no equipment and scales through leverage, tempo and reps. If your gym has both options, neither is a wrong choice: pick the one that feels strongest through a full range, and swap after 6 to 8 weeks to keep the triceps adapting.
Full form guides
Common questions
Is the Barbell Lying Triceps Extension Skull Crusher better than the Triceps Press?
Neither is universally better — both train the triceps as the primary mover. The Barbell Lying Triceps Extension Skull Crusher lets you load the heaviest weights and progress in small, steady jumps, while the Triceps Press needs no equipment and scales through leverage, tempo and reps. Choose based on your equipment and which movement you can progress consistently.
Can I do both the Barbell Lying Triceps Extension Skull Crusher and the Triceps Press in the same program?
Yes, but usually not in the same session — they overlap heavily on the triceps. A common setup is one as your main movement and the other on a second training day, or alternating them block by block.
Do the Barbell Lying Triceps Extension Skull Crusher and the Triceps Press work the same muscles?
Yes — the primary muscle is the same (triceps) and both rely on the same supporting muscles: shoulders.
Track it in Tetsu
Tetsu tracks both movements separately, keeps your PRs per exercise, and tells you which one is actually progressing. Free to start.