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Exercise Guide

How to do machine seated dip

Master the setup, range of motion, and tempo for safer, more effective reps.

The machine seated dip is a controlled isolation exercise that targets the triceps and the lower pectoral muscles. Using a machine allows you to stay in a fixed position, which is ideal for those who find traditional bodyweight dips difficult or stressful on the shoulders. It is a great way to add high-volume triceps work to your routine, helping to build arm size and pressing strength.

Stats

TIER
3
DIFFICULTY
Untrained to Advanced
EQUIPMENT
Seated Dip Machine
TARGET MUSCLES
Chest, Triceps, Front Shoulder

Instructions for Proper Form

Setup:

  1. Seat Adjustment: Adjust the seat height so your elbows are at a 90-degree angle when your hands are gripping the handles.
  2. Weight Selection: Choose a weight that is challenging but allows you to maintain proper form throughout the full range of motion.
  3. Grip: Grasp the handles with a neutral grip (palms facing each other) or overhand grip, depending on the machine design.
  4. Body Position: Sit upright with your chest out, shoulders back and down, and core engaged. Your knees should be under the pads provided, and your feet planted firmly on the floor.

The Lift:

  1. Initiate the Dip: Exhale and slowly bend your elbows, lowering your body downwards. Keep your elbows pointing backward and maintain contact between your back and the backrest.
  2. Depth: Lower yourself until your upper arms are roughly parallel to the floor or slightly below.
  3. Push Upward: Press through your palms to extend your elbows and push yourself back up to the starting position.

Tips:

  • Focus on the Triceps: Concentrate on using your triceps to push the weight, not your chest or shoulders.
  • Elbow Position: Keep your elbows tucked in close to your body throughout the movement.
  • Controlled Movement: Lower and raise yourself in a slow, controlled manner.

Common mistakes: Hunching the shoulders forward and not maintaining an upright torso throughout the dip.

Alternatives

Bench

dumbbell bench press

ChestTriceps+1
Seated Fly Machine

machine seated fly

ChestFront Shoulder
Bench

cable lying fly

ChestFront Shoulder
Crossover Cable

cable incline fly

ChestFront Shoulder
Cable

cable low chest fly

ChestFront Shoulder
Barbell

barbell bench press

ChestTriceps+1
Chest Press Machine

machine chest press

ChestTriceps+1
Incline Chest Press Machine

machine incline chest press

ChestTriceps+1
Barbell

barbell incline bench press

ChestTriceps+1
Crossover Cable

cable standing fly

ChestFront Shoulder
Dumbbell

dumbbell fly

ChestFront Shoulder
Crossover Cable

cable standing crossovers

ChestFront Shoulder
High Incline Chest Press Machine

machine high incline hammer chest press

ChestTriceps+1
Barbell

barbell paused incline bench press

ChestTriceps+1
None

clap push up

ChestTriceps+1
Bench

bench dip

ChestFront Shoulder
Bench Press

barbell paused bench press

ChestTriceps+1
None

chest tap push up

ChestTriceps+1
Bench

decline push up

ChestTriceps+1
None

dips between chair

ChestTriceps+1
Resistance Band

resistance band push up

ChestTriceps+1
Seated Dip Machine

machine seated dip

ChestTriceps+1
None

wide grip push-up

ChestTriceps+1
Barbell

barbell paused decline bench press

ChestTriceps+1
Dip Bar

chest dips

ChestTriceps+1
Bench

bench dip on floor

ChestTriceps+1
None

push up

ChestTriceps+1
Bench

cable lying pullover

ChestBack
Bench

dumbbell close grip bench press

ChestTriceps+1
Dumbbell

push-up row

ChestBack+5
Cable

cable incline bench press

ChestTriceps+1
Decline Chest Press Machine

machine decline chest press

ChestTriceps+1
Cable

cable bench press

ChestTriceps+1
Barbell

dumbbell incline fly

ChestFront Shoulder
Bench

dumbbell incline bench press

ChestTriceps+1
Smith Machine

smit-machine bench press

ChestTriceps+1
Smith Machine

smit-machine incline bench press

ChestTriceps+1
None

diamond push up

ChestTriceps+1
None

incline push-up

ChestTriceps+1
None

floor triceps dips

ChestFront Shoulder+1
Resistance Band

assisted chest dip

ChestTriceps+1
Decline Bench

barbell decline bench press

ChestFront Shoulder+2
None

burpee

ChestTriceps+7