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Exercise Comparison

Bench Dips vs Triceps Overhead Extension with Rope

Bench Dips - starting position
Bench Dips - ending position
Bench Dips
beginner·Bodyweight·compound
Triceps Overhead Extension with Rope - starting position
Triceps Overhead Extension with Rope - ending position
Triceps Overhead Extension with Rope
beginner·Cable·isolation

Side-by-Side

Bench Dips
VS
Triceps Overhead Extension with Rope
beginner
Level
beginner
Bodyweight
Equipment
Cable
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.

Triceps Overhead Extension with Rope

1

Attach a rope to a low pulley. After selecting an appropriate weight, grasp the rope with both hands and face away from the cable.

2

Position your hands behind your head with your elbows point straight up. Your elbows should start out flexed, and you can stagger your stance and lean gently away from the machine to create greater stability. This will be your starting position.

3

To perform the movement, extend through the elbow while keeping the upper arm in position, raising your hands above your head.

4

Squeeze your triceps at the top of the movement, and slowly lower the weight back to the start position.

Verdict

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

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