Exercise Comparison
Bench Dips vs Chain Handle Extension




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Muscle Analysis
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Instructions
Bench Dips
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.
Chain Handle Extension
You will need two cable handle attachments and a flat bench, as well as chains, for this exercise. Clip the middle of the chains to the handles, and position yourself on the flat bench. Your elbows should be pointing straight up.
Begin by extending through the elbow, keeping your upper arm still, with your wrists pronated.
Pause at the lockout, and reverse the motion to return to the starting position.
Verdict
Both exercises target the triceps. Bench Dips is a beginner exercise using bodyweight, while Chain Handle Extension is intermediate and uses other. Choose Bench Dips if you're looking for a more accessible option, or Chain Handle Extension for a greater challenge. Bench Dips is a compound movement working multiple joints, making it better for overall strength. Chain Handle Extension isolates the target muscle for focused development.