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Triceps exercise · body weight

Elbow Dips

The elbow dips is a bodyweight exercise that targets the triceps, with the chest and shoulders assisting.

Animated demonstration of the elbow dips
Elbow Dips — demonstration
Target muscle
Triceps
Also works
Chest, shoulders
Equipment
Body weight
Body part
Upper arms

How to do the elbow dips

  1. Sit on the edge of a bench or chair with your hands gripping the edge next to your hips.
  2. Slide your hips forward off the bench and straighten your legs, keeping your heels on the ground.
  3. Bend your elbows and lower your body towards the ground, keeping your back close to the bench.
  4. Pause for a moment at the bottom, then push through your hands to straighten your arms and lift your body back up to the starting position.
  5. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

Sets and reps

Start with 3 sets of 10–15 reps, resting 45–60 seconds. When every set feels easy, add reps, slow the lowering phase or move to a harder variation.

Muscles worked

The main muscle is the triceps. The chest and shoulders work as secondary muscles. See all triceps exercises or every bodyweight exercise.

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