skull crushers - elbowstrain

[the koala]

lately my strength in skullcrushers has developed to such an extent that it starts to hurt my elbows

weightwise i'm now using the weight i used to bench with some years ago


is it possible to substitute skullcrushers with racklockouts or high board presses for higher reps? (i bench raw)

what other good assistance triceps movements are there? (i was standing in the gym today trying to think of some triceps assitance exercises and no other than some skullcrushermovement came to my mind...)

thanks in advance,

 

[Quadsweeps Sister]

Since you seem to like skullcrushers, have you tried doing them with bands? You wouldn't have to use so much bar weight, but the 'resistance' would remain.

Some other exercises are JM Presses (somewhat like a S.C., but with lighter weight), DB tricep extensions (can use bands for these as well), elbows out seated extensions (in front of face) with DB's, push downs...I'm sure others will help out with some additional accessory exercises!

Take care.
__________________
Mythicwrld

"We deceive ourselves when we fancy that only weakness needs support. Strength needs it far more."

 

[nsashbl01]

I bring upper arms back so my elbows are behind my head. Helps me and tris never rest at lockout. Another thing that can help is a mild incline on bench. Really do a ton of warm ups first. Keeps pain down for me.

 

[the koala]

thanks for the suggestions

yeah, i really like skullcrushers
about jm presses, funny thing is that i actually can do more weight with them then with skullcrushers

about bands,... i try to stay away from them in fear of overtraining,.... but maybe once a week for 3-4 sets won't hurt?

i always try to do skullcrushers like nsash described them, elbows behind the head, it's just a little thing but really awesome, the tris have to strain all the time

 

[stilleto]

also, try doing skulls with dumbells instead of a bar- you might find it easier on your elbows.

 

[nsashbl01]

also, try doing skulls with dumbells instead of a bar- you might find it easier on your elbows.

Ditto. Sometimes help varying wrist position.

 

[donsj]

Are you using a ez-curl bar ?

 

[StealthPower]

I wouldnt sub it in for rack press or 4-6 board press ever.

Kc

 

[Chambewy20]

Do you ever do them with a straigt bar instead of an e-z curl bar?

It's a bitch, little less elbow strain because wrists aren't so tweeked and you can use whatever hand width that best suits you, i use shoulder width like i'm doing close grips.

It also looks cool when you can use the same weight for skull crushers as a lot of guys do to warm up with their bench!!!

 

[Quadsweeps Sister]

Do you ever do them with a straigt bar instead of an e-z curl bar?

It's a bitch, little less elbow strain because wrists aren't so tweeked and you can use whatever hand width that best suits you, i use shoulder width like i'm doing close grips.

It also looks cool when you can use the same weight for skull crushers as a lot of guys do to warm up with their bench!!!

It makes such a difference - I never would have guessed by using the straight as opposed to the ez-curl. Much kinder on the elbows.

"You must spread some Karma around before giving it to Chambewy20 again."
__________________
Mythicwrld

"We deceive ourselves when we fancy that only weakness needs support. Strength needs it far more."

 

[glover]

I 'll second that bands suggestion. Also try some other exercises first to wear out the tris. That way you would have to do less weight.

How much weight are you doing?

I have also used chains when I had them. As you lift the weight up it takes the chain off the floor making it heavier at the top and lighter at the start. The start is where it puts the most stress on the elbow.

I also do dumbbells. I believe alot of guys recommend that. They are right you can alter you hand position and aleviate the elbow stress.

 

[thelion2005]

If I do V pushdowns first, the elbows are warmed up.
Then close grip benches.
Skullcrushers last with bar down to behind head and then up.

Everytime I do skullcrushers first or without enough warmup, I get pain.

 

[blut wump]

I always do skulls with a straight bar.

Another favourite of mine is overhead barbell extensions.

 

[richspc]

Close grip benchpress, both flat and incline, `10rep warm-up, add weight,for 7,6,5,4 reps. does it for me. Also Darts, with dumbells on flat bench.

 

[Warrior57]

ez bar french presses are great( i like them better than skull crunchers)