XChrisX

So I can't seem to do them without major joint pain in my elbows. Alot of times I just avoid them because of this. Some have told me to extend past my head for a better stretch in my tris and less stress on my joints. Any advice on this? :extension:

Pfabrizi1

yeah... if it really hurts that much then don't do them.

also if your doing them seated try doing lying ones, they are fine for me

XChrisX

I seem to have the most trouble doing them lying. Even with light weight it just doesn't feel right. Maybe I'm just doing it wrong? I try to keep my elbows straight and more or less just use my tris.

PWGriffin

Regardless of where ur elbows are, u are going to use your triceps to extend ur arms. That's just what they do.

Single joint movements like this one place a lot of torque one joint. Elbow pain during an exercise like this is very common. You could try warming them up more thoroughly before attempting the exercise, and then start with at least 2 very light sets.

My advice would be to try compound movements that stress the triceps first, fatigueing them...like say dips or close grip bench press. Then moving on to such an exercise as an overhead extension lastly...ensuring you are nice and warm...and the weight you will be able to handle will be much less, placing much less strain on the elbow. Also...using a weight that is greater than say ur 12RM on an isolation exercise just isn't very wise IMO. Leave the heavier work to the compound movements.

XChrisX

Actually that last bit makes alot of sense. Thanks for the advice as I will try this out next time around!

Gazhole

Good advice, PW!

Elbow pain with Skullcrushers is an incredibly common complaint for sure.

wala

Im with PW yeh - I know that if i jump straight into an iso movement for tri's when i enter the gym, my joints dont feel good at all!

I always do some rope/bar pull downs with very light weight for about 20 reps to get some blood into the muscles.

Then when i try anything thats iso related or a heavy tri movements (compound) it feels fine!

digitor

I agree with PW.

But really I don't think there is any need for skullcrushers when there are all kind of bench variants, dips and overhead presses (for the long head especially) to work them. If anything I would say french presses, not skulls, because then at least the long head is getting the stretch.

If you get pain when your elbows are warmed up, AVOID skulls.

XchrisX, skulls are supine on the back, french presses are standing. Otherwise they are known as lying or standing triceps extensions.

Michael

Yeah same here! When I do them seated I feel some pain in my elbow, but when I do them lying I only feel it in my triceps.

Malley

I agree with P-Dizzle.....warm them up a bit better. If theres still pain pick one of the other 20 exercises for your triceps.

Mark26

I, like you, have had nothing but problems with these, I have not done them in a long time and I never have problems with my elbows anymore. I do weighted dips, close grip bench, weighted bench dips, Over head DB Ext and reverse grip cable extensions (not all in one workout).

Mark26

Some great info in here.

XChrisX

Thanks for the advice, I do warm up quite a bit I just think i8t's me, the advice is well notes. Thanks!

PWGriffin

well it's definitely not JUST you. I have pain during that movement at times too....even at the end of the workout. Most people who reach a certain level of strength experience pain in the elbow during that exercise. Be proud that you are too powerful for that movement!!