Dips

Triceps and lower chest, on parallel bars or the edge of a chair.

The movement

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How to do it

  1. Arms locked out, shoulders down and away from your ears.
  2. Lower until your elbows reach about 90 degrees, leaning slightly forward.
  3. Push back up to full lockout.

The two mistakes that cost you reps

  • Shoulders rolling forward at the bottom, which is where shoulder injuries come from.
  • Cutting the depth as fatigue sets in, which stops the count.

How Orusta counts it

A rep counts when your elbows pass roughly 90 degrees and your arms return to full extension.

Easier, harder

Easier

Feet on the floor in front of you, hands on a chair behind you.

Harder

Legs straight out in front, or slow the descent right down.

What a good set looks like

15 to 25 reps on parallel bars is a good set. On a chair, expect more.

Exercises that work the same muscles

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