Exercise Comparison
Bench Dips vs Standing Overhead Barbell 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 Overhead Barbell Triceps Extension
To begin, stand up holding a barbell or e-z bar using a pronated grip (palms facing forward) with your hands closer than shoulder width apart from each other. Your feet should be about shoulder width apart.
Now elevate the barbell above your head until your arms are fully extended. Keep your elbows in. This will be your starting position.
Keeping your upper arms close to your head and elbows in, 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 barbell. 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 Overhead Barbell Triceps Extension is beginner and uses barbell. Choose Bench Dips if you have access to bodyweight, or Standing Overhead Barbell Triceps Extension if you prefer barbell. Bench Dips is a compound movement working multiple joints, making it better for overall strength. Standing Overhead Barbell Triceps Extension isolates the target muscle for focused development.