Skullcrusher (Dumbbell)

Setup

- Prepare and inspect the required equipment (dumbbell, bench) and clear enough space for the full movement and safe exit.

- For Skullcrusher (Dumbbell), keep the implement, grip, support and direction shown by the name and, when available, the image. If that setup is unavailable, choose an offered alternative instead of improvising another exercise.

- Keep the shoulders quiet, place the elbows as the exercise requires and hold the wrists firm.

Execution

- Extend the elbows without moving the upper arms, pause near lockout, then return under control.

Range, tempo and breathing

- Perform 3 × 10–15 repetitions. Lower for about 2–3 seconds, change direction without bouncing and lift in 1–2 seconds unless the plan sets another tempo.

- Brace before the effort. Exhale through the controlled lifting or shortening phase and inhale during the return without losing position.

Common mistakes and prevention

- Do not flare or drift the elbows, shrug, or use the trunk for momentum. Lower the load and fix the upper arms.

Regression and progression

- Reduce the load and, if needed, shorten the pain-free range while keeping the same setup.

- Add repetitions within the target range first, then increase load only if every repetition keeps the same path and reserve.

Stop signals

- Stop for sharp or increasing pain, numbness, dizziness, chest pain, unusual shortness of breath or loss of control. Swap the exercise if a comfortable, controlled version is not available.