Assisted Dip Machine

Muscle Triceps
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How to do the Assisted Dip Machine

The Assisted Dip Machine is a strength-building exercise tool designed to target the triceps, chest, and shoulders while offering adjustable support for users developing upper-body pressing strength. By counterbalancing a portion of body weight through a weighted platform or pad, the machine makes traditional dips more accessible and manageable for beginners, those recovering from injury, or anyone refining their dip mechanics.

The exercise closely mimics the movement of parallel bar dips, with the key difference being the adjustable assistance that reduces resistance. To perform it correctly, users grasp the handles, stabilize their torso, and lower their body under control until the elbows reach approximately a 90-degree angle. From there, they press back upward to full arm extension. Maintaining proper posture, keeping the elbows tucked close to the body, chest slightly forward, and core braced, is essential to ensure optimal engagement of the triceps and chest while minimizing shoulder strain.

The primary focus of the Assisted Dip Machine is triceps development, while the chest and anterior deltoids assist throughout the pressing motion. The stable design allows lifters to focus on muscle activation and range of motion without worrying about balance or overloading the joints. Over time, users can gradually decrease assistance to build strength and progress toward performing unassisted bodyweight dips.

Because it offers scalability and control, the Assisted Dip Machine is suitable for all experience levels. It’s particularly valuable for those aiming to increase upper-body pressing power, enhance muscular endurance, or safely transition into advanced calisthenic and strength-based movements.

Primary Muscle
Triceps
Secondary Muscles
ChestShoulders
Equipment
Machine
Difficulty
Beginner
1

Setup Instructions

  • Adjust the assistance weight to suit your strength level. More assistance makes the exercise easier.
  • Step onto the foot platform or kneel on the pad depending on the machine design.
  • Grip the parallel bars firmly with your palms facing inward and arms fully extended.
  • Keep your chest slightly forward and your core tight to maintain balance.
2

Coaching Cues

  • Keep your shoulders down and away from your ears.
  • Lean slightly forward to engage the chest, or stay upright to emphasize the triceps.
  • Engage your core to prevent excessive swinging.
  • Maintain even pressure through both arms during each rep.
  • Control the entire range of motion & avoid locking out your elbows abruptly.
3

Execution Steps

  • Begin lowering your body by bending your elbows to about 90 degrees or slightly more.
  • Keep your elbows close to your body and maintain control throughout the descent.
  • Pause briefly at the bottom of the movement when your upper arms are parallel to the floor.
  • Push through your palms to extend your arms and return to the starting position.
  • Repeat for the desired number of repetitions, maintaining smooth and controlled movement.
4

Common Mistakes

  • Using momentum instead of controlled muscle engagement.
  • Letting the shoulders roll forward during the dip.
  • Descending too quickly, leading to shoulder strain.
  • Failing to achieve a full range of motion.
  • Allowing the assistance pad to rebound rather than maintaining tension.
5

Safety Notes

  • Warm up your shoulders, triceps, and chest before performing dips.
  • Avoid excessive forward lean if you experience shoulder discomfort.
  • Start with moderate assistance and reduce it gradually as strength improves.
  • Ensure a smooth tempo to reduce joint stress.
  • Stop immediately if you feel pain in your shoulders or elbows.
6

Also Known As

  • Assisted Tricep Dip
  • Machine-Assisted Dip

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