Question about Dips For Chest and Triceps

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com34x
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Question about Dips For Chest and Triceps

Post by com34x »

In our gym we have an assisted dip machine. I usually set the weight so that I can only do a small number of reps. I have 2 questions though.

Can I use dips as primary chest exercise?

By this I mean would it give results? The only chest press equipment are the smith and machine presses. I can do dumbell chest exercises but I dont always have a spotter to hand me the heavy weights.

Second question is about how to perform them. On the piece of equipment it mentions that it works chest and triceps. The handle bar can be changed for a wide grip and a narrow grip.

Which grip do you use for working your chest?

Thanks again
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Boss Man
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Post by Boss Man »

I'd use a Wide Grip. I haven't any experience of such a machine, but a wide grip will probably reduce activity on Triceps,

Same as Bench Pressing, the wider the grip the less Tricep activity you get.

Yes you could probably use them as a primary exercise, but if you're having other difficulties working Chest, then go for the Smith option too.
com34x
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Post by com34x »

The machine has a bar you can stand on. It also has plates for you to select The more weight you select the more of push up under your feet you get. Select a lower weight and you have less assistance. Its like someone is pushing you up from under your feet so that you can do another rep. You can also fold the bar back and use no assistance.

Does anyone know if a dip works the entire chest muscle, or just a certain part?

I always feel chest muscles hurting the day after so I know its working me good.
swanso5
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Post by swanso5 »

wide grip for more chest, close grip for more tri's...i would go with close grip anyway as it's better for the shoulder but even saying that the entire exercise isn't great for shoulder to start with...can't you do barbell bench presses in a power or squat rack?? there must be a gym instructor around to spot you at least...dips, not good and that includes the tri bench one's too
felguard
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Post by felguard »

I usually use the dip machine for tricep days and I've noticed results for it with tris. Not sure about chest though.
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