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Exercise Comparison

Bench Dips vs Close-Grip Push-Up off of a Dumbbell

Bench Dips - starting position
Bench Dips - ending position
Bench Dips
beginner·Bodyweight·compound
Close-Grip Push-Up off of a Dumbbell - starting position
Close-Grip Push-Up off of a Dumbbell - ending position
Close-Grip Push-Up off of a Dumbbell
intermediate·Bodyweight·compound

Side-by-Side

Bench Dips
VS
Close-Grip Push-Up off of a Dumbbell
beginner
Level
intermediate
Bodyweight
Equipment
Bodyweight
compound
Mechanic
compound
push
Force
push
Strength
Category
Strength
triceps
Primary
triceps
chestshoulders
Secondary
abdominalschestshoulders

Muscle Analysis

Shared

tricepschestshoulders

Only in Close-Grip Push-Up off of a Dumbbell

abdominals

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.

Close-Grip Push-Up off of a Dumbbell

1

Lie on the floor and place your hands on an upright dumbbell. Supporting your weight on your toes and hands, keep your torso rigid and your elbows in with your arms straight. This will be your starting position.

2

Lower your body, allowing the elbows to flex while you inhale. Keep your body straight, not allowing your hips to rise or sag.

3

Press yourself back up to the starting position by extending the elbows. Breathe out as you perform this step.

4

After a pause at the contracted position, repeat the movement for the prescribed amount of repetitions.

Verdict

Both exercises target the triceps. Bench Dips is a beginner exercise using bodyweight, while Close-Grip Push-Up off of a Dumbbell is intermediate and uses bodyweight. Choose Bench Dips if you're looking for a more accessible option, or Close-Grip Push-Up off of a Dumbbell for a greater challenge.

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