French Press vs Skull Crusher: Which Coffee Brewing Method Reigns Supreme?

When it comes to building massive biceps, two exercises reign supreme: the French press and the skull crusher. Both exercises target the triceps muscles, but they do so in slightly different ways. In this blog post, we’ll compare the French press vs skull crusher and determine which one is the superior bicep builder.

French Press: A Classic Bicep Blaster

The French press is a compound exercise that works all three heads of the triceps: the lateral head, the medial head, and the long head. It’s performed by lying on a bench with a barbell or dumbbells held overhead, then lowering the weight behind your head until your elbows are at a 90-degree angle.
Pros:

• Compound exercise that works all three triceps heads
• Can be loaded with heavy weight
• Relatively easy to learn and perform

Cons:

• Can put stress on the shoulders and elbows
• Not as effective for isolating the lateral head

Skull Crusher: The Ultimate Lateral Head Isolator

The skull crusher is an isolation exercise that specifically targets the lateral head of the triceps. It’s performed by lying on a bench with a barbell or dumbbells held overhead, then lowering the weight behind your head until your elbows are at a 90-degree angle.
Pros:

• Isolates the lateral head of the triceps
• Can be loaded with heavy weight
• Relatively easy to learn and perform

Cons:

• Can put stress on the shoulders and elbows
• Not as effective for working the other two triceps heads

Comparison of French Press vs Skull Crusher

Muscle Groups Targeted:

• French press: Lateral head, medial head, long head
• Skull crusher: Lateral head

Effectiveness for Bicep Building:

• Both exercises are effective for bicep building, but the French press is more versatile.

Difficulty:

• Both exercises are relatively easy to learn and perform.

Safety:

• Both exercises can put stress on the shoulders and elbows, but the skull crusher is more likely to cause injury.

Which Exercise is Right for You?

The best exercise for you depends on your individual goals and needs. If you’re looking for a compound exercise that works all three triceps heads, the French press is a great option. If you’re looking for an isolation exercise that specifically targets the lateral head, the skull crusher is a better choice.

Tips for Maximizing Results

• Use a weight that challenges you without compromising form.
• Focus on contracting your triceps throughout the movement.
• Control the weight on the way down and up.
• Rest adequately between sets.

Variations of French Press and Skull Crusher

French Press Variations:

• Incline French press
• Decline French press
• Dumbbell French press
• Cable French press

Skull Crusher Variations:

• Reverse skull crusher
• Overhead skull crusher
• Dumbbell skull crusher
• Cable skull crusher

Recommendations: The Champion Revealed

Both the French press and the skull crusher are excellent exercises for building bigger, stronger biceps. However, if we had to choose one as the superior bicep builder, we would give the edge to the French press. It’s a more versatile exercise that works all three triceps heads, and it can be loaded with more weight.

Questions We Hear a Lot

1. Which exercise is better for beginners?
Both exercises are relatively easy to learn and perform, but the French press is a better choice for beginners because it’s less likely to cause injury.
2. How often should I do French press and skull crushers?
You can do these exercises 2-3 times per week.
3. What other exercises can I add to my bicep workout?
Other bicep exercises include:

• Barbell curls
• Dumbbell curls
• Hammer curls