Barbell Skullcrusher alternatives
Barbell Skullcrusher is an isolation triceps exercise. Its primary joint action is elbow extension.
- Target muscle
- Triceps
- Joint action
- elbow extension
- Type
- Isolation
- Equipment
- Barbell
12 alternatives, ranked
All share the joint action elbow extension. Ranked the way the GainsLog app swaps exercises: same joint action first, then the same compound or isolation type.
| # | Exercise | Equipment | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Back Supported Cable Tricep PushdownCable · Isolation | Cable | Isolation |
| 2 | Back Supported Rope Tricep PushdownCable · Isolation | Cable | Isolation |
| 3 | Back Supported V-Bar Tricep PushdownCable · Isolation | Cable | Isolation |
| 4 | Bodyweight SkullcrusherBodyweight and home · Isolation | Bodyweight and home | Isolation |
| 5 | Dumbbell SkullcrusherDumbbells · Isolation | Dumbbells | Isolation |
| 6 | Machine Tricep ExtensionMachine · Isolation | Machine | Isolation |
| 7 | Seated Dumbbell Overhead ExtensionDumbbells · Isolation | Dumbbells | Isolation |
| 8 | Single Arm Bag Overhead ExtensionBodyweight and home · Isolation | Bodyweight and home | Isolation |
| 9 | Single Arm Dumbbell Overhead ExtensionDumbbells · Isolation | Dumbbells | Isolation |
| 10 | Smith SkullcrusherSmith machine · Isolation | Smith machine | Isolation |
| 11 | Barbell Overhead ExtensionBarbell · Isolation | Barbell | Isolation |
| 12 | EZ Bar Overhead ExtensionBarbell · Isolation | Barbell | Isolation |
Swapping Barbell Skullcrusher mid-workout?
In the app, tap Swap on any exercise: GainsLog suggests alternatives ranked the same way (same joint action, then same type) and keeps a separate progression for each one.
How GainsLog picks a substitute
1
Same joint action
A substitute has to work your triceps through the same primary joint action as Barbell Skullcrusher: elbow extension. An exercise with a different joint action trains the muscle differently, so the app treats it as variety, not a swap.
2
Same compound or isolation type
Barbell Skullcrusher is an isolation move, so other isolation moves rank above compound lifts.
3
Spread across equipment
Equipment doesn't change the ranking. The list only caps how many picks come from each type of equipment, so there is an option whether you train with barbells, dumbbells, cables, machines or your bodyweight.
Swap exercises mid-workout in GainsLog
Tap swap on any exercise and the app suggests alternatives with the same joint action, then keeps a separate progression for each one so your targets stay honest.
FAQ
- What is the best alternative to Barbell Skullcrusher?
- Back Supported Cable Tricep Pushdown (Cable) ranks first. It works your triceps through the same joint action, elbow extension, and is an isolation move.
- What can I do instead of Barbell Skullcrusher at home?
- Try Bodyweight Skullcrusher, Dumbbell Skullcrusher, or Seated Dumbbell Overhead Extension. They need only your bodyweight or a few free weights and use the same joint action.
- Will swapping Barbell Skullcrusher for an alternative slow my progress?
- Not if the swap uses the same joint action and you keep pushing your sets close to failure. Log the new exercise separately and build its progression from your first session.