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Exercise Comparison

Bench Dips vs Decline Dumbbell Triceps Extension

Bench Dips - starting position
Bench Dips - ending position
Bench Dips
beginner·Bodyweight·compound
Decline Dumbbell Triceps Extension - starting position
Decline Dumbbell Triceps Extension - ending position
Decline Dumbbell Triceps Extension
beginner·Dumbbell·isolation

Side-by-Side

Bench Dips
VS
Decline Dumbbell Triceps Extension
beginner
Level
beginner
Bodyweight
Equipment
Dumbbell
compound
Mechanic
isolation
push
Force
push
Strength
Category
Strength
triceps
Primary
triceps
chestshoulders
Secondary
None

Muscle Analysis

Shared

triceps

Only in Bench Dips

chestshoulders

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.

Decline Dumbbell Triceps Extension

1

Secure your legs at the end of the decline bench and lie down with a dumbbell on each hand on top of your thighs. The palms of your hand will be facing each other.

2

Once you are laying down, move the dumbbells in front of you at shoulder width. The palms of the hands should be facing each other and the arms should be perpendicular to the floor and fully extended. This will be your starting position.

3

As you breathe in and you keep the upper arms stationary (and elbows in), bring the dumbbells down slowly by moving your forearms in a semicircular motion towards you until your thumbs are next to your ears. Breathe in as you perform this portion of the movement.

4

Lift the dumbbells back to the starting position by contracting the triceps and exhaling.

5

Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

Verdict

Both exercises target the triceps. Bench Dips is a beginner exercise using bodyweight, while Decline Dumbbell Triceps Extension is beginner and uses dumbbell. Choose Bench Dips if you have access to bodyweight, or Decline Dumbbell Triceps Extension if you prefer dumbbell. Bench Dips is a compound movement working multiple joints, making it better for overall strength. Decline Dumbbell Triceps Extension isolates the target muscle for focused development.

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