Exercise Comparison
Bench Dips vs Overhead Triceps




Side-by-Side
Muscle Analysis
Shared
Only in Bench Dips
Only in Overhead Triceps
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.
Overhead Triceps
Sit upright on the floor with your partner behind you. Raise one arm straight up, and flex the elbow, attempting to touch your hand to your back. Your parner should hold your elbow and wrist. This will be your starting position.
Attempt to extend the arm straight into the air as your partner prevents you from doing actually doing so.
After 10-20 seconds, relax the arm and allow your partner to further stretch the tricep by applying gentle pressure to the wrist. Hold for 10-20 seconds, and then switch sides.
Verdict
Both exercises target the triceps. Bench Dips is a beginner exercise using bodyweight, while Overhead Triceps is expert and uses bodyweight. Choose Bench Dips if you're looking for a more accessible option, or Overhead Triceps for a greater challenge.