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Exercise Comparison

Bench Dips vs Board Press

Bench Dips - starting position
Bench Dips - ending position
Bench Dips
beginner·Bodyweight·compound
Board Press - starting position
Board Press - ending position
Board Press
intermediate·Barbell·compound

Side-by-Side

Bench Dips
VS
Board Press
beginner
Level
intermediate
Bodyweight
Equipment
Barbell
compound
Mechanic
compound
push
Force
push
Strength
Category
Powerlifting
triceps
Primary
triceps
chestshoulders
Secondary
chestforearmslatsshoulders

Muscle Analysis

Shared

tricepschestshoulders

Only in Board Press

forearmslats

Instructions

Bench Dips

1

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.

2

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.

3

Using your triceps to bring your torso up again, lift yourself back to the starting position.

4

Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

Board Press

1

Begin by lying on the bench, getting your head beyond the bar if possible. One to five boards, made out of 2x6's, can be screwed together and held in place by a training partner, bands, or just tucked under your shirt.

2

Tuck your feet underneath you and arch your back. Using the bar to help support your weight, lift your shoulder off the bench and retract them, squeezing the shoulder blades together. Use your feet to drive your traps into the bench. Maintain this tight body position throughout the movement.

3

You can take a standard bench grip, or shoulder width to focus on the triceps. Pull the bar out of the rack without protracting your shoulders. The bar, wrist, and elbow should stay in line at all times. Focus on squeezing the bar and trying to pull it apart.

4

Lower the bar to the boards, and then drive the bar up with as much force as possible. The elbows should be tucked in until lockout.

Verdict

Both exercises target the triceps. Bench Dips is a beginner exercise using bodyweight, while Board Press is intermediate and uses barbell. Choose Bench Dips if you're looking for a more accessible option, or Board Press for a greater challenge.

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