Bench Dips Exercise
Builds strength and control by improving stability, coordination, and efficient movement.
Description
Bench dips focuses on controlled movement and maintaining proper body alignment throughout the exercise. The goal is to create tension where needed while avoiding unnecessary strain or momentum. This helps improve movement quality, joint stability, and overall physical control.
Instructions:
- For this exercise you will need to place a bench behind your back. With the bench perpendicular to your body, and while looking away from it, hold on to the bench on its edge with the hands fully extended, separated at shoulder width. The legs will be extended forward, bent at the waist and perpendicular to your torso. This will be your starting position.
- Slowly lower your body as you inhale by bending at the elbows until you lower yourself far enough to where there is an angle slightly smaller than 90 degrees between the upper arm and the forearm. Tip: Keep the elbows as close as possible throughout the movement. Forearms should always be pointing down.
- Using your triceps to bring your torso up again, lift yourself back to the starting position.
- Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Exercise FAQ
How should I program this in a workout?
Use it after your warm-up when you’re fresh. Aim for 2–4 sets and choose a rep range that matches your goal (strength: lower reps; muscle: moderate reps). Think of it as pressing done with repeatable, clean reps.
What’s a common mistake people make here?
Rushing reps and losing body position. Keep the movement smooth and repeatable so tension stays where you want it. Think of it as pressing done with repeatable, clean reps.
What should I do if I feel it in the wrong place?
Check your setup, slow down, and reduce weight. If discomfort is sharp or in a joint, stop and choose an easier variation.
Disclaimer
This content is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical or fitness advice. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before beginning any new exercise routine. Exercise safely and listen to your body.
Alternative exercises:
Kneeling Cable Triceps Extension
Place a bench sideways in front of a high pulley machine. Hold a straight bar attachment above your head wi...
Dumbbell One-Arm Triceps Extension
Grab a dumbbell and either sit on a military press bench or a utility bench that has a back support on it a...
Close-Grip EZ-Bar Press
Lie on a flat bench with an EZ bar loaded to an appropriate weight. Using a narrow grip lift the bar and ho...