Upper Arms Exercise · Body Weight

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Impossible Dips

Despite the name, impossible dips are really just a dip variation — usually performed with an altered hand position or added instability that makes the standard bodyweight dip harder on the triceps, chest, and shoulder stability. It's for lifters who've already maxed out standard dips and need a way to keep the movement challenging without adding external weight.

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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 Impossible Dips

1. Get into position between two parallel bars, arms fully extended and your body held up in the air.
2. Bend your knees and cross your ankles behind you.
3. Bend your elbows to lower your body until your upper arms are parallel to the floor.
4. Pause briefly, then straighten your arms to push yourself back up to the top.
5. Continue for the prescribed repetitions while maintaining full control through both the lift and lower phases.

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 Impossible 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 Impossible Dips work?

The Impossible 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 Impossible Dips?

You do the Impossible 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 Impossible 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 Impossible 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 Impossible 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.