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Triceps

Triceps dips: how to do it right

Parallel bar dips with an upright torso are one of the best body-weight exercises for your triceps.

Main muscle
Triceps
Also works
Chest, Front delts
Equipment
Parallel bars
Level
Intermediate
Triceps dips: start position
Start position
Triceps dips: end position
End position

Step by step

  1. Support yourself on the bars with straight arms and your body upright.
  2. Lower yourself by bending your elbows back, torso as vertical as possible.
  3. Go down until your elbows are at about 90°.
  4. Press up until your arms are straight.

Tip: Once you can do 12–15 easily, add weight with a dip belt.

Common mistakes

Leaning forward

If you lean, your chest works more. For triceps, keep your torso upright.

Going too deep

Stop around 90° at the elbow.

Shrugged shoulders

Keep them down throughout.

Sets and reps

Guide ranges. Start with a weight where the last rep is hard but your technique holds.

GoalSetsRepsRest
Strength3–53–62–3 min
Build muscle3–46–121.5–2 min
Health and fitness2–310–151 min

In GymOrbita you log every set and the app suggests the weight for your next session based on what you did last time.

Alternatives

If the machine is busy or you want a variation:

FAQ

How do I progress if I can't lift my body weight?

Use an assisted dip machine, a band or bench dips.

General technique information, not a substitute for professional advice. If you have an injury or pain, check with a doctor or physiotherapist first.

Add triceps dips to your routine

GymOrbita has this exercise with its animation: log the weight and reps of every set and track your progress. Free.