Exercise Comparison
Bench Dips vs Standing Dumbbell Triceps Extension




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Muscle Analysis
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Only in Bench Dips
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.
Standing Dumbbell Triceps Extension
To begin, stand up with a dumbbell held by both hands. Your feet should be about shoulder width apart from each other. Slowly use both hands to grab the dumbbell and lift it over your head until both arms are fully extended.
The resistance should be resting in the palms of your hands with your thumbs around it. The palm of the hands should be facing up towards the ceiling. This will be your starting position.
Keeping your upper arms close to your head with elbows in and perpendicular to the floor, lower the resistance in a semicircular motion behind your head until your forearms touch your biceps. Tip: The upper arms should remain stationary and only the forearms should move. Breathe in as you perform this step.
Go back to the starting position by using the triceps to raise the dumbbell. Breathe out as you perform this step.
Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Verdict
Both exercises target the triceps. Bench Dips is a beginner exercise using bodyweight, while Standing Dumbbell Triceps Extension is beginner and uses dumbbell. Choose Bench Dips if you have access to bodyweight, or Standing Dumbbell Triceps Extension if you prefer dumbbell. Bench Dips is a compound movement working multiple joints, making it better for overall strength. Standing Dumbbell Triceps Extension isolates the target muscle for focused development.