Cable Incline Skull Crusher - How to Perform, Muscles, Variants | SatisFIT Skip to main content

Cable Incline Skull Crusher

Step by step instructions, muscle activation and variants for the Cable Incline Skull Crusher.

MediumTriceps

About this exercise

A triceps isolation exercise performed lying on an incline bench with a cable attached at a low pulley, lowering the handle toward the forehead and extending back to full lockout. The cable provides constant tension throughout the range of motion, which differs from a free-weight skull crusher.

How to Perform

  • Set an adjustable bench to a moderate incline and position it in front of a low cable pulley
  • Attach a straight bar or EZ bar handle to the low pulley and lie back on the bench with your head closest to the cable stack
  • Grip the bar with an overhand grip and hold it directly over your chest with arms extended
  • Keeping your upper arms stationary, hinge at the elbows and slowly lower the bar toward your forehead
  • Stop just before the bar reaches your head
  • Extend your elbows to return the bar to the starting position
  • Repeat for the desired number of repetitions

Muscle Activation

Primary
Triceps
Secondary
Front shoulders

Common Mistakes

Common mistakes content is coming soon.

About the Cable Incline Skull Crusher

The Cable Incline Skull Crusher is a foundational movement that builds strength and muscle through controlled, progressive overload. Train it 1 to 2 times per week with 3 to 5 working sets per session, gradually adding weight or reps as form holds up.

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