Exercise EncyclopediaExercises

Bench dips Exercise

Share
Bench dips Exercise
Bench dips Exercise
Share

Bench Dips Exercise

Strengthen Your Triceps and Upper Body

Meta Title (SEO Optimized): Bench Dips Exercise: Powerful Triceps Strength & Upper Body Guide
Meta Description: Learn how to do bench dips properly with step-by-step instructions, variations, benefits, reps, and expert tips to build stronger triceps and upper body.

What Are Bench Dips?

Bench dips are a bodyweight exercise that targets the triceps while also engaging the chest, shoulders, and core. They can be performed almost anywhere — using a bench, box, chair, or any stable surface — making them a versatile and convenient movement for all fitness levels.

Benefits of Bench Dips

  • Stronger Triceps: The main focus is on the triceps, enhancing strength and muscle definition.
  • Improved Shoulder Stability: Engages the deltoids and supporting rotator cuff muscles.
  • Chest Activation: The pectorals assist during the upward pressing phase.
  • Functional Strength: Mimics everyday pushing movements, improving daily performance.
  • Anywhere Training: Ideal for home workouts, outdoor parks, and gym routines without extra equipment.

Who Should Do Bench Dips?

✔ Beginners looking for a simple arm strength exercise
✔ Intermediate and advanced lifters wanting a burnout finisher
✔ Anyone building functional upper body pushing strength

Recommended Sets & Reps

Level Sets Reps
Beginner 2–3 8–10
Intermediate 3–4 10–15
Advanced 4–5 15–20

Pro Tip: Control the lowering phase (eccentric). Slow reps = stronger arms + safer shoulders.

How to Perform Bench Dips (Step-by-Step)

✅ Step 1: Starting Position

  • Sit on the edge of the bench, hands next to your hips, fingers forward.
  • Walk your feet forward and lift your hips off the bench, arms straight.

✅ Step 2: Lower with Control

  • Bend elbows straight back — keep them close to your body.
  • Lower until your arms reach about a 90-degree angle.
  • Avoid letting your shoulders roll forward.

✅ Step 3: Push Back Up

  • Press through your palms to straighten your arms.
  • Keep your core tight and avoid shrugging your shoulders.
  • Don’t fully lock out the elbows — maintain joint tension.

✅ Step 4: Repeat

  • Maintain posture, breathe properly, and complete your desired reps.

Bench Dip Variations (From Beginner to Advanced)

Variation Difficulty Benefit
Bent-Knee Bench Dips ★☆☆ Easier, ideal for beginners
Straight-Leg Bench Dips ★★☆ More load on triceps
Weighted Bench Dips ★★★ Increased strength + muscle growth
Two-Bench Dips ★★★☆ Greater range of motion and intensity
Band-Assisted Dips ★☆☆ Safety support while learning

Safety Tips & Recommendations

  • Warm up shoulders before training
  • Lower under control — no fast or jerky movements
  • Keep elbows pointed back, not flaring out
  • Avoid going too deep to protect the shoulder joint
  • Stop immediately if you feel pain in the front of the shoulder
  • Breathe: Inhale down → Exhale up

Have shoulder issues? Consider alternatives like triceps pushdowns or chair dips with reduced range of motion.

Can Bench Dips Build Muscle?

Yes — especially when progressively overloaded. Increase difficulty over time by:

  • Adding reps/sets
  • Extending legs
  • Adding weight
  • Slowing down the tempo
  • Using advanced variations

Pair with other triceps exercises like triceps dips, skull crushers, and close-grip push-ups for best results.

Sample Bench Dip Workout

Exercise Sets Reps
Warm-up: Arm circles + band pulls 1 30 seconds each
Bent-Knee Bench Dips 2 12
Straight-Leg Bench Dips 3 10
Triceps Stretch 1 30 seconds each arm

Final Thoughts

Bench dips are a simple yet highly effective upper-body exercise that:
✔ Builds triceps power
✔ Improves shoulder stability
✔ Strengthens supporting muscle groups
✔ Fits anywhere into your workout routine

Whether you’re a beginner or advanced athlete, mastering bench dips will boost your arm strength, muscle tone, and functional fitness.

If you’d like, I can:
✅ Create a printable version for your website
✅ Add high-quality images with a fitness model
✅ Provide a short VEO Video script demonstrating each step

Would you like me to prepare the Spanish version as well?

 

Follow our Social Media!

Join us on Facebook Watch us on YouTube

Share
Written by
peterasoto

Black Belt | Research Professor | Sports Enthusiast & Writer

Martial Arts School Success Blueprint
Related Articles

Oblique crunches

Contents1 Oblique crunches1.1 Benefits of Oblique Crunches1.2 Recommended Sets and Reps1.3 Step-by-Step...

Ball Slams Exercise

Contents1 Ball Slams Exercise1.1 Ball Slams Exercise Benefits1.2 Ball Slams Exercise Recommended...

Elbow Plank Exercise

Contents1 Elbow Plank Exercise1.1 Elbow Plank Exercise: Build Core Strength and Total-Body...

Atlas stone lift Exercise

Contents1 Atlas Stone Lift Exercise1.1 Ultimate Full-Body Power and Strength Guide1.2 What...