Dips question....

[DanielBishop]

I like dips. They're neat. When I started at the gym again in May this year (after a few months off) I could only do 4 or so reps on my first set on the parallel dips bar. Now I can do 13+ WITH a 22lb dumbbell on my belt. I think you improve with exercises like that very fast.

Anyway, I've always done parallel dips.... I do chest and triceps together, so I do dips as the first exercise in my triceps routine.... but since it works chest a little bit, it's almost like a bridging exercise.

But lately I've been thinking about unparallel dips. Here's my logic.... since your hands are further apart and subsequently so are your elbow, you'd be using more of your chest than with parallel dips. Right?

So.... I want to incorporate some into my routine. Would it be too much to do some sets of unparallel AND some sets of parallel dips in the same workout?

Is one better than the other?

Thanks.

 

[zackdarnell]

What exactly do you mean by unparallel dips?

On the dip station I use, the bars arent exactly parallel. they are wider at one end. Almost a \ / shape. Is this what you mean? If it is, then yes, a wider grip will work the chest more. You can also work the chest more by leaning forward some.

 

[louden_swain]

You bring up a good point about the wider grip. If you are wanting to emphasize the chest to a greater degree, I would recommend emphasizing the bottom portion of the movement. This means, do not lock out at the top. Keep the exercise at a continuous motion. Overall, dips are indees a great upper body exercise. I feel it in my chest, delts, triceps, and upper back.