Comments on: How To Perform French Curls / Skull Crushers Correctly

By: ode

ode — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 05:15:56 +0000

hi mark im a beginner so the total anabolism the T.H.T. suits for me? thnks

By: Mark McManus

Mark McManus — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 16:39:46 +0000

@Yavor. Just a note – I consider this a compound movement, just like I consider barbell curls a compound movement i.e. if they’re done using biomechanically optimized form. See point 4 on this post for more
https://musclehack.com/how-to-build-muscle-mass-fast-complete-guide/
This is in agreement with Jeff Willet who defines ‘compound movement’ in the same manner. However, most people hold to the traditional definitions i.e. squats are compound, bb curls are isolation.
@WAI. Your first idea sounds good but if you can get some cable work in, go for it. Tricep cable push downs would be a good choice for your final 3 sets.
Mark

By: WHO AM I

WHO AM I — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 08:41:12 +0000

Hi Mark, I’m starting a new cycle this Thursday and was planning on doing three sets of these and three sets of seated dumbell extensions for my Triceps, do you think that will give a good workout with proper form or should I go for six sets of tricep french curls for better results?

By: Yavor Marichkov

Yavor Marichkov — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 07:44:28 +0000

Glad you are making this point about the bio-mechanically optimized form. You simply don’t lift like a robot when doing isolation exercises.

Now, when doing multi-joint exercises, which also have their place, there is a stricter groove.

By: Mark McManus

Mark McManus — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 06:04:24 +0000

@Blackjaw. Switch it up between the 2 exercises. So, for 1 THT cycle do tricep extensions with the tricep bar for 2 or 3 sets and switch to french curls on your next cycle. Alternatively, if either 1 yields better results, you can stick with it. I’ve been using french curls for the past 2 cycles (20 weeks).
@FatBoyMuscleMan. LOL! ‘Mark’ will work, just don’t call him Musclehack! That’s exactly why I love French curls, nothing else can provide that range of motion and really target the triceps. Enjoy the new arm growth!
@Bill. Yeah, feel safe ignoring these guys. You’re performing a KILLER tricep exercise!

By: Bill

Bill — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 04:30:42 +0000

I agree – these are exactly what I do and the way I do them. I can see I sometimes get looks like I’m “doing them wrong” – mostly from guys with smaller triceps!

By: fatboymuscleman

fatboymuscleman — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 03:39:54 +0000

Mark, instead of my usual skull crushers, I did these tonight (with dumbbells though), and they totally kicked my ass!

I haven’t felt that stretch in my triceps, ever!

If I ever have another kid, I’m naming him Mark! 🙂

By: blackjaw

blackjaw — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 01:57:34 +0000

I’ve been doing decline tricep extensions with a tricep bar. Should I do the french curls in addition to or instead of the decline tri extensions?

By: Mark McManus

Mark McManus — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 00:05:42 +0000

@ Philip. Doesn’t matter how cold it is, I never miss a workout. This wasn’t shot during an actual workout though, I just did a light set to demonstrate the form.
@ Eugene. Sounds so good man, we’ll not be up in the 70’s for a few months yet 🙁 French curls rock!

By: Eugene

Eugene — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 23:24:48 +0000

Mark, these were and are my absolute favorite exercise. There is just something so pleasing about them.

When I first started working out, all I could do was 10 lbs. Then a few months later I had upped that to 60. So satisfying.

P.S. Don’t freeze. It was 70 here in Austin today.

By: Philip

Philip — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 23:19:51 +0000

Ha ha… how do you excercise then if it`s cold? You really endure a lot for us. 😀

By: Mark McManus

Mark McManus — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 22:47:35 +0000

I actually brought an electric heater out there with me, it was sub-zero temperatures when filming. I survived!

By: Philip

Philip — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 22:38:32 +0000

Thanks Mark!

Hope you didn`t freeze.. 😀