Lying triceps extension

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The lying triceps extension, also known as skull crusher and French extension or French press, is a strength exercise used in many different forms of strength training. It is one of the most stimulating exercises to the entire triceps muscle group in the upper arm,^{[citation needed]} and works the triceps from the elbow all the way to the latissimus dorsi. Due to its full use of the triceps muscle group, the lying triceps extensions are used by many as part of their training regimen.

Triceps extensions are isolation exercises, meaning they use just one joint. They can also be beneficial for fixing imbalances in the triceps or rehabilitating from injury. In bodybuilding, this exercise is used to target the triceps for growth.^[1]

A study sponsored and done by the American Council on Exercise revealed that the extensions are around 70–90 percent effective compared to the triangle push up for the triceps.^[2] However, extensions put no pressure on the wrists so they are an alternative for people with wrist strain or injury.^[1] Despite the name, skull crushers are a safe, manageable way to effectively work the triceps.