Despite their name, skull crushers are a safe and effective triceps exercise. Here's what to know about how to do skull crushers , plus benefits and modifications. Learn how to do skull crushers with proper form and try variations for different fitness levels. Follow our step-by-step instructions and tips. Learn how to do skull crushers (also called lying triceps extensions ) with perfect form in order to build strong triceps. Plus, find out the common skull crusher form mistakes, the exercise's main benefits, and modifications and progressions to try. If you're looking to work your triceps in particular, you'll find skull crushers are a good way to do it. This exercise uses gravity to specifically work this area, so start by learning the basic technique. You can switch things up a bit to work your lateral or long head muscle in your triceps.