Barbell Tricep Extension vs Bench Dips
Which one fits your Triceps workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Bench Dips more often — 4,149 sessions vs 765. Compare Triceps form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Barbell Tricep Extension and Bench Dips and pick the one that fits your Triceps workout.
Barbell Tricep Extension vs Bench Dips: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Bench Dips more often — 4,149 sessions compared to 765 for Barbell Tricep Extension.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Barbell Tricep Extension and Bench Dips differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Barbell Tricep Extension and Bench Dips Differ
| What differs | Barbell Tricep Extension | Bench Dips |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | triceps | chest, triceps, and back |
| Equipment | a barbell | bodyweight only |
| Difficulty | 5 of 5 | 4 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 765 sessions | 4,149 sessions |
How to Do Barbell Tricep Extension
Barbell Tricep Extension Muscles Worked: Triceps
Form
- 1. Keep your elbows fixed and lower your arms behind your head.
- 2. After lowering them behind your head, slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to let your elbows flare out.
- 2. Please be careful not to overextend your arms.
For a full Barbell Tricep Extension guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Barbell Tricep Extension exercise guide.
How to Do Bench Dips
Bench Dips Muscles Worked: Triceps
Form
- 1. Please lower until your elbows are at a right angle.
- 2. Push with your arms and slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to let your elbows flare out.
- 2. Please be careful not to raise your trapezius muscles.
For a full Bench Dips guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Bench Dips exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Triceps, Barbell Tricep Extension or Bench Dips?
Planfit users log Bench Dips more often — 4,149 sessions against 765 for Barbell Tricep Extension. Both train Triceps, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Barbell Tricep Extension and Bench Dips work the same muscles?
Not quite. Barbell Tricep Extension loads triceps, and Bench Dips loads chest, triceps, and back.
What equipment do Barbell Tricep Extension and Bench Dips need?
Barbell Tricep Extension needs a barbell, and Bench Dips needs bodyweight only.
Which is easier to start with?
Bench Dips is the easier place to start. Move to Barbell Tricep Extension once your form holds up.
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