BifitBifit
HomeExercisesBecome a Coach
Log In
HOMEEXERCISESBECOME A COACHLOG IN

Language

Legal

Terms of UsePrivacy PolicyDelete Account
BifitBifit

A modern and user-friendly mobile app that makes life easier for fitness enthusiasts. Tracking your workouts and progress is our priority.

Quick Links

  • Home
  • Exercises
  • Become a Coach
  • Download · Google Play
  • Download · App Store

Legal

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Support
  • Account Deletion

© 2026 Bifit. All rights reserved.

Designed for a healthy lifestyle

HomeExercisesBarbell Reverse Grip Skullcrusher

Barbell Reverse Grip Skullcrusher

Triceps
Triceps
Advanced
Isolation
3-4Set
8-12Reps
90sRest
3-1-1-0Tempo
Barbell Reverse Grip Skullcrusher
Animation

Description

Barbell Reverse Grip Skullcrusher is an effective exercise that works the triceps muscles with a different grip. It is performed in a supine position on a bench using a barbell with reverse grip. This exercise particularly targets the lateral and medial heads of the triceps muscles. The reverse grip provides loading on the triceps muscles from a different angle. Suitable for strengthening and shaping the upper arm posterior region. When performed with proper form, it completely fatigues the triceps muscles. Can be included in training programs for advanced athletes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. 1

    Lie supine on the bench and stabilize your feet on the floor

  2. 2

    Grip the barbell with reverse grip and keep your forearm vertical

  3. 3

    Keep your elbows fixed as you lower your forearm

  4. 4

    Push the bar to starting position while feeling your triceps muscles

  5. 5

    Don't separate your elbows from your torso throughout the movement

  6. 6

    Do 3 sets of 10-12 reps and move in a controlled manner

Key Points

  • ✓Press your back firmly against the bench, pinch your shoulder blades together
  • ✓Grip the bar with reverse (palms up) grip
  • ✓Keep elbows fixed, only forearm should move
  • ✓Lower the bar toward your forehead, not your neck
  • ✓Keep elbows close to your torso throughout the movement

Common Mistakes

  • ✗Opening or flaring elbows outward - reduces triceps work
  • ✗Lowering the bar too quickly - can damage elbow joint
  • ✗Not adjusting reverse grip properly - causes wrist discomfort
  • ✗Lifting back off the bench - causes lower back pain
  • ✗Shortening range of motion - doesn't provide full muscle activation

Breathing

Inhale deeply while lowering the bar, exhale forcefully during push up. Don't hold your breath at the bottom of the movement.

Muscle Activation

triceps0%
forearms0%
chest0%

Safety

Precautions

  • Those with elbow tendonitis should definitely not do this
  • If there is wrist injury or instability, this grip is dangerous
  • Those with shoulder problems should get doctor approval
  • If there is neck herniation, head position may be risky

Safety Tips

  • Perform this advanced movement very carefully, it is dangerous
  • Reverse grip puts a lot of stress on wrists, use light weight
  • Be in full control so you don't drop the bar on your head
  • If you feel pain, stop immediately, don't force it

Frequently Asked Questions

Which muscles does Barbell Reverse Grip Skullcrusher work?

Barbell Reverse Grip Skullcrusher primarily works these muscles: Triceps. It also engages: Forearms, Chest.

Is Barbell Reverse Grip Skullcrusher suitable for beginners?

Barbell Reverse Grip Skullcrusher is a Advanced level exercise. Learning difficulty: Hard.

Can Barbell Reverse Grip Skullcrusher be done at home?

Barbell Reverse Grip Skullcrusher usually requires gym equipment, so it can be hard to do at home.

What are common mistakes when doing Barbell Reverse Grip Skullcrusher?

One of the most common mistakes: Opening or flaring elbows outward - reduces triceps work

How many sets and reps for Barbell Reverse Grip Skullcrusher?

Recommended: 3-4 sets and 8-12 reps.

Related Exercises

Exercises targeting similar muscle groups

Triceps Exercises
Dumbbell Standing Triceps Extension

Dumbbell Standing Triceps Extension

Triceps

Lever Tricep Extension

Lever Tricep Extension

Triceps

Cable One Arm Side Triceps Pushdown

Cable One Arm Side Triceps Pushdown

Triceps

Tricep Dips With Weights

Tricep Dips With Weights

Triceps

Cable Tricep Pushdown V-Bar

Cable Tricep Pushdown V-Bar

Triceps

Triceps Extension Machine

Triceps Extension Machine

Triceps

Exercise Information

DifficultyAdvanced
Movement TypeIsolation
FocusHypertrophy
Injury RiskHigh
Set3-4
Reps8-12
Rest90 seconds
Tempo3-1-1-0
Spotter RequiredNo
Home / Gym
NoYes
Effectiveness4.1 / 5
Popularity4.6 / 10
Learning DifficultyHard

Equipment

barbell

Primary Muscles

Triceps

Secondary Muscles

ForearmsChest

Benefits

  • ✓Targets triceps muscles from a different angle
  • ✓Develops upper arm posterior region
  • ✓Increases arm strength and size
  • ✓Provides variety with alternative grip

Goals

Muscle GainStrength
Back to All Exercises
Barbell Reverse Grip Skullcrusher
Animation

Description

Barbell Reverse Grip Skullcrusher is an effective exercise that works the triceps muscles with a different grip. It is performed in a supine position on a bench using a barbell with reverse grip. This exercise particularly targets the lateral and medial heads of the triceps muscles. The reverse grip provides loading on the triceps muscles from a different angle. Suitable for strengthening and shaping the upper arm posterior region. When performed with proper form, it completely fatigues the triceps muscles. Can be included in training programs for advanced athletes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. 1

    Lie supine on the bench and stabilize your feet on the floor

  2. 2

    Grip the barbell with reverse grip and keep your forearm vertical

  3. 3

    Keep your elbows fixed as you lower your forearm

  4. 4

    Push the bar to starting position while feeling your triceps muscles

  5. 5

    Don't separate your elbows from your torso throughout the movement

  6. 6

    Do 3 sets of 10-12 reps and move in a controlled manner

Key Points

  • ✓Press your back firmly against the bench, pinch your shoulder blades together
  • ✓Grip the bar with reverse (palms up) grip
  • ✓Keep elbows fixed, only forearm should move
  • ✓Lower the bar toward your forehead, not your neck
  • ✓Keep elbows close to your torso throughout the movement

Common Mistakes

  • ✗Opening or flaring elbows outward - reduces triceps work
  • ✗Lowering the bar too quickly - can damage elbow joint
  • ✗Not adjusting reverse grip properly - causes wrist discomfort
  • ✗Lifting back off the bench - causes lower back pain
  • ✗Shortening range of motion - doesn't provide full muscle activation

Breathing

Inhale deeply while lowering the bar, exhale forcefully during push up. Don't hold your breath at the bottom of the movement.

Back to All Exercises

Related Exercises

Exercises targeting similar muscle groups

Triceps Exercises
Dumbbell Standing Triceps Extension

Dumbbell Standing Triceps Extension

Triceps

Lever Tricep Extension

Lever Tricep Extension

Triceps

Cable One Arm Side Triceps Pushdown

Cable One Arm Side Triceps Pushdown

Triceps

Tricep Dips With Weights

Tricep Dips With Weights

Triceps

Cable Tricep Pushdown V-Bar

Cable Tricep Pushdown V-Bar

Triceps

Triceps Extension Machine

Triceps Extension Machine

Triceps