Upper Arms Exercise · Weighted

Expand

Weighted Tricep Dips

Adding weight to standard tricep dips, usually via a belt or plate on the lap, is the natural progression once bodyweight dips for reps stop building strength. It's one of the more efficient ways to overload the triceps without needing a cable machine. Keep the elbows tracking straight back rather than flaring, which keeps the tension on the triceps and off the shoulder joint.

Go to the movement steps

Category

Upper Arms

Equipment

Weighted

Target

Triceps

Share Embed & Cite

Exercise reference published by PlanWorkouts; see our editorial standards.

How to Do the Weighted Tricep Dips

1. Sit at the edge of a bench or chair, gripping the edge with your hands beside your hips.
2. Slide off the front of the bench, extending your legs out in front of you.
3. Keep your back tracking close to the bench with a slight bend held in your elbows.
4. Bend your elbows to lower your body until your upper arms reach parallel with the floor.
5. Straighten your arms to press yourself back up to the top.
6. Perform for your targeted rep count, focusing on a deliberate tempo and maximum tension in 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 Weighted Tricep 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 weighted? These target the same triceps with different equipment.

Bench Dip (knees Bent) Body Weight · Triceps Barbell Close-Grip Bench Press Barbell · Triceps Dumbbell Neutral Grip Bench Press Dumbbell · Triceps Exercise Ball Dip Stability Ball · Triceps

FAQ

What muscles does the Weighted Tricep Dips work?

The Weighted Tricep 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 Weighted Tricep Dips?

You do the Weighted Tricep Dips with a weighted. 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 Weighted Tricep 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 Weighted Tricep 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 Weighted Tricep Dips?

The Bench Dip (knees Bent) trains your triceps with body weight and a similar movement pattern. Review its form guide before substituting it, since setup and range of motion can differ.