The three bench dip is a bodyweight exercise targeting the triceps, performed using three benches to elevate the feet and hands, increasing the range of motion and difficulty compared to standard dips.
Quick Facts
How to Do Three Bench Dip
Follow these step-by-step instructions to perform Three Bench Dip with proper form and technique.
- Sit on a bench with your hands gripping the edge, fingers pointing forward.
- Slide your butt off the bench, supporting your weight with your hands.
- Place your feet on a second bench and, if using a third, elevate your legs further.
- Bend your elbows and lower your body until your upper arms are parallel to the ground.
- Push yourself back up to the starting position.
- Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.
Muscles Worked
Understanding which muscles Three Bench Dip targets helps you integrate it effectively into your training program.
Target Muscles
These are the main muscles responsible for performing the movement and receive the greatest training stimulus.
Secondary Muscles
These muscles assist in the movement and receive secondary training benefits.
Benefits of Three Bench Dip
Incorporating Three Bench Dip into your workout routine offers numerous advantages for strength, muscle development, and overall fitness.
- Triceps Development: Three Bench Dip directly targets and strengthens the Triceps, promoting muscle growth and improved functional strength.
- Secondary Muscle Engagement: This exercise also works the Chest and Shoulders, providing additional training stimulus without extra exercises.
- Convenience and Accessibility: This exercise requires no equipment, making it perfect for home workouts, travel, or when gym access is limited.
- Functional Strength: Strength exercises like Three Bench Dip build real-world strength that transfers to daily activities and athletic performance.
- Advanced Training Stimulus: This challenging exercise provides the intensity needed for experienced athletes to continue making progress.
Safety Tips and Precautions
Performing Three Bench Dip safely is essential for preventing injuries and ensuring long-term progress.
- Warm Up Properly: Before performing Three Bench Dip, complete 5-10 minutes of light cardio followed by dynamic stretches targeting the Triceps and surrounding muscles.
- Prioritize Form Over Weight: Never sacrifice proper technique for heavier weights. Poor form significantly increases injury risk and reduces the exercise's effectiveness.
- Progress Gradually: Master easier progressions before attempting advanced variations. Ensure your supporting surface is stable.
- Respect Your Range of Motion: Work within your current mobility limits. Gradually improve flexibility over time rather than forcing deeper positions.
- Don't Hold Your Breath: Maintain consistent breathing throughout the exercise. Exhale during the exertion phase and inhale during the easier phase.
- Know When to Stop: End your set when you can no longer maintain proper form. Training to absolute failure on every set increases injury risk.
- Allow Adequate Recovery: The Triceps typically need 48-72 hours to recover after intense training. Avoid training the same muscle group on consecutive days.
Tracking Your Progress
To make consistent gains with Three Bench Dip, track these metrics during your workouts:
Track the number of sets you complete. Most training programs recommend 3-5 sets per exercise.
Record your repetitions per set. Adjust rep ranges based on your goals: 1-5 for strength, 6-12 for hypertrophy, 12+ for endurance.