Exercise Comparison
Bench Dips vs Standing Low-Pulley One-Arm Triceps 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.
Standing Low-Pulley One-Arm Triceps Extension
Grab a single handle with your left arm next to the low pulley machine. Turn away from the machine keeping the handle to the side of your body with your arm fully extended. Now use both hands to elevate the single handle directly above the head with the palm facing forward. Keep your upper arm completely vertical (perpendicular to the floor) and put your right hand on your left elbow to help keep it steady. This is the starting position.
Keeping your upper arms close to your head (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 single handle. Breathe out as you perform this step.
Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Switch arms and repeat the exercise.
Verdict
Both exercises target the triceps. Bench Dips is a beginner exercise using bodyweight, while Standing Low-Pulley One-Arm Triceps Extension is intermediate and uses cable. Choose Bench Dips if you're looking for a more accessible option, or Standing Low-Pulley One-Arm Triceps Extension for a greater challenge. Bench Dips is a compound movement working multiple joints, making it better for overall strength. Standing Low-Pulley One-Arm Triceps Extension isolates the target muscle for focused development.