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Triceps exercise · body weight

Impossible Dips

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

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

How to do the impossible dips

  1. Position yourself between two parallel bars with your arms fully extended and your body suspended in the air.
  2. Bend your knees and cross your ankles.
  3. Lower your body by bending your elbows until your upper arms are parallel to the ground.
  4. Pause for a moment, then push yourself back up to the starting position by straightening your arms.
  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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