Bench Dips vs Tricep Pushdown Machine
Which one fits your Triceps workout plan?
Contents
Tricep Pushdown Machine is the easier place to start — difficulty 1 of 5 vs 4. Compare Triceps form cues and when to progress.
Compare the benefits of Bench Dips and Tricep Pushdown Machine and pick the one that fits your Triceps workout.
Bench Dips vs Tricep Pushdown Machine: 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 2,436 for Tricep Pushdown Machine.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Bench Dips and Tricep Pushdown Machine differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Bench Dips and Tricep Pushdown Machine Differ
| What differs | Bench Dips | Tricep Pushdown Machine |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | chest, triceps, and back | triceps |
| Equipment | bodyweight only | a machine |
| Difficulty | 4 of 5 | 1 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 4,149 sessions | 2,436 sessions |
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.
How to Do Tricep Pushdown Machine
Tricep Pushdown 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 overextend your arms.
For a full Tricep Pushdown Machine guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Tricep Pushdown Machine exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Triceps, Bench Dips or Tricep Pushdown Machine?
Neither is clearly ahead — Planfit users log both at a similar rate. They both train Triceps, so the choice comes down to the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Bench Dips and Tricep Pushdown Machine work the same muscles?
Not quite. Bench Dips loads chest, triceps, and back, and Tricep Pushdown Machine loads triceps.
What equipment do Bench Dips and Tricep Pushdown Machine need?
Bench Dips needs bodyweight only, and Tricep Pushdown Machine needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Tricep Pushdown Machine is the easier place to start. Move to Bench Dips once your form holds up.
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