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Instructions
- Adjust the weight assistance level on the dip machine.
- Step onto the platform and grip the handles with your palms facing downward.
- Position your knees or feet on the pad according to machine design.
- Lower your body slowly by bending your elbows until your upper arms are parallel to the floor.
- Push through your palms to extend your arms and return to the starting position.
Technical Tips
- Maintain a slight forward lean to engage the chest.
- Avoid locking out the elbows at the top of the movement.
- Keep the core engaged throughout the exercise.
Breathing Tips
- Inhale as you lower your body.
- Exhale as you push back up to the starting position.
Medical restrictions
- Shoulder impingement or rotator cuff injuries
- Elbow tendinitis
- Recent chest or triceps surgery
What muscles do assisted machine dips work?
Assisted machine dips primarily work the triceps and chest muscles, with secondary engagement of the shoulders and all three triceps heads, making it an effective upper body strength exercise.
Are assisted dips good for beginners?
Yes, assisted dips are excellent for beginners because the machine reduces bodyweight resistance, allowing users to build strength safely with proper form and controlled movement.
How much weight should I use on assisted machine dips?
Start with a weight that allows you to complete 8–12 reps with good form. The more weight you select on the machine, the more assistance it provides, making the dip easier.
Can assisted dips replace push-ups?
Assisted dips can complement push-ups but not fully replace them. While both work the chest and triceps, dips provide a greater range of motion and focus more on vertical pushing strength.
How often should I do assisted dips?
You can perform assisted dips 1–3 times per week, depending on your training split, ensuring adequate recovery between sessions for optimal muscle growth and performance.
Assisted Machine Dips are an effective compound exercise that targets the upper body, particularly the triceps and chest. Designed for users at all fitness levels, this movement utilizes a guided machine to reduce body weight resistance, making it ideal for beginners or those recovering from injury. The assistance allows for safe execution of the dip motion with controlled form, minimizing strain on the joints while maximizing muscle engagement. By lowering and pressing the body upward using the dip mechanism, users can build strength, improve muscle tone, and enhance upper-body endurance. The machine-assisted setup also enables progressive overload by adjusting the counterweight, helping users to gradually increase resistance as they gain strength. Additionally, this exercise supports proper alignment and stabilization, which is essential for developing foundational pushing strength. Assisted Machine Dips are commonly included in fitness programs for muscle building, toning, and functional strength development, and they serve as a key step toward performing unassisted bodyweight dips.