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Exercise Guide

How to do weighted triceps dips

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

Weighted triceps dips are an advanced version of the standard dip, performed on parallel bars with added weight via a belt. This exercise is a powerhouse for building massive triceps, chest, and shoulder strength. It requires significant upper body stability and control. Adding weight increases the intensity, making it one of the most effective compound movements for upper body muscle hypertrophy.

Stats

TIER
2
DIFFICULTY
Intermediate to Advanced
EQUIPMENT
Dip Bar
TARGET MUSCLES
Triceps, Chest, Front Shoulder

Instructions for Proper Form

Setup:

  • Parallel bars: Use a dip station or place two sturdy benches parallel to each other.
  • Weight: You can use a dip belt with a weight plate, place a dumbbell securely between your thighs, or have a partner gently place a weight in your lap.
  • Hand position: Grip the bars slightly wider than shoulder-width apart, palms facing in.

The Lift:

  1. Starting Position: Support yourself with your arms extended and body upright. Maintain an engaged core.
  2. Initiate the dip: Bend your elbows and slowly lower your body until your upper arms are roughly parallel to the floor.
  3. Focus on triceps: Keep your elbows close to your sides, and concentrate on your triceps working to control the descent.
  4. Powerful press: Press back up to the starting position, extending your elbows fully, and focusing on using your triceps.
  5. Repeat: Perform the desired number of repetitions with smooth, focused movements.

Tips:

  • Slight forward lean: A slight forward lean helps isolate the triceps better. Avoid excessive leaning, which puts more stress on your chest.
  • Full range of motion (if it's comfortable): Aim for a full range of motion unless you experience discomfort.
  • Breathe: Exhale as you push up, inhale as you descend.

Common mistakes: Leaning too far forward and shrugging the shoulders during the descent.

Alternatives

Bench

dumbbell incline triceps extension

Triceps
Cable

cable one arm tricep pushdown

Triceps
Cable

cable pushdown(with rope)

Triceps
Cable

cable one arm side triceps pushdown

Triceps
Bench

barbell incline triceps extension

Triceps
Cable

cable bent overhead tricep extension

Triceps
Cable

cable overhead triceps extension

Triceps
Dumbbell

dumbbell incline two arm triceps extension

Triceps
Cable

cable lying triceps extension(low)

Triceps
Cable

cable reverse grip triceps pushdown(sz-bar)

Triceps
Bench

barbell seated overhead triceps extension

Triceps
Dumbbell

dumbbell seated triceps extension

Triceps
Dumbbell

dumbbell one arm tricep extension

Triceps
Cable

cable lying triceps extension

Triceps
Bench

barbell lying triceps extension

Triceps
Triceps Extension Machine

machine triceps extension

Triceps
Cable

cable triceps pushdown(SZ bar)

Triceps
Decline Bench

ez-barbell decline triceps extension

Triceps
Dumbbell

dumbbell one arm kickback

Triceps
Bench

dumbbell triceps kickback

Triceps
Dip Bar

weighted triceps dips

TricepsChest+1
None

dips on chair

TricepsChest+1
Barbell

barbell incline close grip bench press

TricepsFront Shoulder+1
None

kneeling triceps extension

Triceps
Dumbbell

dumbbell lying triceps extension

Triceps
Ez Barbell

ez-barbell incline triceps extension

Triceps
Dumbbell

dumbbell seated triceps extension

Triceps
Cable

cable triceps pushdown(v-bar)

Triceps
Smith Machine

smit-machine close grip bench press

TricepsChest+1
Bench

barbell close grip bench press

TricepsChest+1