Dip (Parallette)
Level
intermediate
Force
push
Mechanic
compound
Equipment
parallettes Category
strength Primary Muscles
A dip variation using parallettes that reduces shoulder strain and allows for a narrower, more triceps-focused forearms.
Instructions
- Place two parallettes on the ground positioned shoulder-width apart.
- Position yourself above the parallettes and place one hand on each bar.
- Jump or step to raise your body until your arms are fully extended, supporting your bodyweight.
- Your body should be held in a straight line from head to feet.
- Engage your core and maintain an upright posture with your chest up.
- Lower your body by flexing your elbows, descending until your elbows reach approximately 90 degrees.
- Keep your elbows close to your body to emphasize the triceps.
- Press through your hands and extend your elbows to drive yourself back up to the starting position.
- Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.
Tips
- The narrower grip of parallettes is more triceps-focused than parallel bars.
- Keep your elbows tucked closely to your sides throughout the movement.
- Parallettes allow for a more comfortable hand position than parallel bars for some athletes.
- Start with assisted variations or negative reps if full bodyweight dips are too challenging.
- This exercise is highly effective for building lockout strength in the triceps.
Recommended starting values
Sensible novice starting points for each goal, for a lifter aged 25–40. Scale down for smaller frames or older lifters. Treat the first set of any session as a discovery set.
| Goal | Sets | Reps |
|---|---|---|
| Gain strength | 3 | 7 reps |
| Build muscle | 3 | 10 reps |
| Build endurance | 3 | 14 reps |
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