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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

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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