Alternatives to Dips?

[SacToSD]

Yeah, so I have been wanting to add dips into my routine, except that I had a separated shoulder and some torn ligaments about 8 years ago that doesn't allow me to do them, safely. I was curious if anyone else has this problem, or a problem with dips, in general, and if so, what do you do instead? I like the idea of an exercise like dips... they really seem to work the upper body well. But, like I said, it's a no go. Ideas?

 

[ericraven2003]

Yeah, so I have been wanting to add dips into my routine, except that I had a separated shoulder and some torn ligaments about 8 years ago that doesn't allow me to do them, safely. I was curious if anyone else has this problem, or a problem with dips, in general, and if so, what do you do instead? I like the idea of an exercise like dips... they really seem to work the upper body well. But, like I said, it's a no go. Ideas?

I have the same problem because of a seperated shoulder too. I miss doing real dips. I have substituted machine dips at lighter weight for 50 reps. It sucks that I can't do regular anymore.

 

[jm425]

Any variation of skull crushers is good. Stay away from closed grip bp because those also put a lot of strain on your shoulder.

 

[Snuka]

not the same motion but give dumb bell kick backs a try.

 

[Quad-smack]

Try close-grip decline bench press. 2nd best to dips and doesn't bother my repaired A-C joint.

 

[doug1]

i see the advice is based on working the triceps....i've always considered dips an exercise for the chest, with tricep stimulation being a weak secondary effect.

 

[PHIL HERNON]

Chest

Dips for chest......do declines....flat bench but only bring bar 1/2 way down.

 

[Tom]

me too

depends how you do them i guess. i've always done them for chest with forward lean ,chin down and elbows flared out.

 

[doug1]

depends how you do them i guess. i've always done them for chest with forward lean ,chin down and elbows flared out.

i think no matter how hard you try to make them for the triceps they still don't get much. there are so, so many other exercises for triceps anyway.

 

[ferd]

Hammer makes a good dip machine if you have one available to you.

 

[Blade_HST]

Also try floor presses, set up with a tight arch like you would on a bench, use a little leg drive - unless you're competing in powerlifting I find it ok to lift your ass off the floor, too. Now you're basically simulating a decline or a dip. By briefly touching your elbows to the floor, you eliminate the stretch-reflex and your pecs will have to work even harder. It's the pressing version of deadlifts.

 

[penance]

rippetoe advices decline dumbell presses with palms inn, for those who do not have access to a dip station (for chest that is). Good luck

 

[Mr_Magoo]

Also try floor presses, It's the pressing version of deadlifts.

good lift and never thought about it as the pressing version of the deadlift but its true