Upper Arms Exercise · Body Weight

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Elbow Dips

Elbow dips shorten the range and change the joint angle of a standard dip, using the elbows rather than a full arm extension to control the movement — a variation that puts different demands on the triceps and shoulder stability than a normal bodyweight or bench dip. It's less common and worth approaching cautiously, since the shortened range at the elbow can load the joint awkwardly if the tempo isn't controlled.

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Category

Upper Arms

Equipment

Body Weight

Target

Triceps

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Exercise reference published by PlanWorkouts; see our editorial standards.

How to Do the Elbow Dips

1. Sit on the edge of a bench or chair, gripping the edge with your hands beside your hips.
2. Slide your hips off the front of the bench and straighten your legs, keeping your heels on the floor.
3. Bend your elbows to lower your body toward the ground, staying close to the bench.
4. Pause briefly at the bottom, then press through your hands to straighten your arms and raise your body back up.
5. Execute the desired number of reps with smooth cadence and consistent focus on the triceps.

Technique & Form Tips

Press by straightening the elbows while controlling the movement of the upper arms. Bench presses, push-ups and dips use different support points and shoulder positions; match the setup and range to the demonstrated variation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Extreme elbow flare: Adjust the angle of your upper arms to find a comfortable position for your shoulders.
• Using the wrong shoulder setup: Follow the specific support and shoulder movement shown. A bench-press setup does not apply unchanged to a push-up or dip.
• Using momentum: Control the descent and ascent to focus on steady movement.

How to Breathe During This Exercise

Exhale during the pushing phase and inhale during the return.

Comfort and Control

Choose a load and range you can control. Stop if the movement causes pain. If discomfort persists, stop and ask a qualified professional about an appropriate exercise and range.

General guidance: Mayo Clinic on weight-training technique. Follow the specific movement steps above for this variation.

Muscles Worked

The Elbow Dips mainly targets your Triceps, with your Chest helping support the movement, along with your Shoulders.

More Upper Arms Exercises

Assisted Standing Triceps Extension (with Towel) Assisted · Triceps Assisted Triceps Dip (kneeling) Leverage Machine · Triceps Band Alternating Biceps Curl Band · Biceps Band Close-Grip Push-Up Band · Triceps Band Concentration Curl Band · Biceps Band One Arm Overhead Biceps Curl Band · Biceps

More Triceps Exercises

Band Side Triceps Extension Band · Triceps Barbell Close-Grip Bench Press Barbell · Triceps Barbell Decline Close Grip To Skull Press Barbell · Triceps Barbell Incline Close Grip Bench Press Barbell · Triceps Barbell Incline Reverse-Grip Press Barbell · Triceps Barbell Jm Bench Press Barbell · Triceps

Equipment Alternatives

Don't have body weight? These target the same triceps with different equipment.

Barbell Close-Grip Bench Press Barbell · Triceps Dumbbell Neutral Grip Bench Press Dumbbell · Triceps Exercise Ball Dip Stability Ball · Triceps EZ Barbell Jm Bench Press EZ Barbell · Triceps

FAQ

What muscles does the Elbow Dips work?

The Elbow Dips mainly works your triceps. It also helps strengthen your chest and shoulders. Using good, smooth form makes sure you work the right muscles and avoid unnecessary strain on your joints.

What equipment do I need for the Elbow Dips?

You do the Elbow Dips with no equipment — just body weight. Make sure your equipment is set up safely before starting. If you work out at home or have limited gear, check out our alternative exercises below.

What form mistake should I watch for on the Elbow Dips?

One mistake to watch for is extreme elbow flare: Adjust the angle of your upper arms to find a comfortable position for your shoulders.. Use a comfortable range and a controlled return; reduce the load if you cannot maintain the demonstrated setup.

How many sets and reps should I perform on the Elbow Dips?

To build muscle size, aim for 3 to 4 sets of 8 to 12 reps with 90 to 120 seconds of rest. To build pure strength, focus on 4 to 5 sets of 3 to 6 heavier reps with 2 to 3 minutes of rest.

What's a good alternative to the Elbow Dips?

The Barbell Close-Grip Bench Press trains your triceps with barbell and a similar movement pattern. Review its form guide before substituting it, since setup and range of motion can differ.