Barbell Tricep Extension vs Dips Machine
Which one fits your Triceps workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Dips Machine more often — 3,256 sessions vs 765. Compare Triceps form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Barbell Tricep Extension and Dips Machine and pick the one that fits your Triceps workout.
Barbell Tricep Extension vs Dips Machine: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Dips Machine more often — 3,256 sessions compared to 765 for Barbell Tricep Extension.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Barbell Tricep Extension and Dips Machine 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 Dips Machine Differ
| What differs | Barbell Tricep Extension | Dips Machine |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | triceps | chest, triceps, back, and front delts |
| Equipment | a barbell | a machine |
| Difficulty | 5 of 5 | 1 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 765 sessions | 3,256 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 Dips Machine
Dips Machine Muscles Worked: Triceps
Form
- 1. Grip the handle tightly and push down.
- 2. Slowly return to the starting position while bearing the weight.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to let your elbows flare out.
- 2. Please be careful not to extend your arms excessively.
For a full Dips Machine guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Dips Machine exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Triceps, Barbell Tricep Extension or Dips Machine?
Planfit users log Dips Machine more often — 3,256 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 Dips Machine work the same muscles?
Not quite. Barbell Tricep Extension loads triceps, and Dips Machine loads chest, triceps, back, and front delts.
What equipment do Barbell Tricep Extension and Dips Machine need?
Barbell Tricep Extension needs a barbell, and Dips Machine needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Dips Machine is the easier place to start. Move to Barbell Tricep Extension once your form holds up.
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