Exercise Comparison
Bench Dips vs Triceps Overhead Extension with Rope




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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.
Triceps Overhead Extension with Rope
Attach a rope to a low pulley. After selecting an appropriate weight, grasp the rope with both hands and face away from the cable.
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.
To perform the movement, extend through the elbow while keeping the upper arm in position, raising your hands above your head.
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.