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Posted by u/zone2_nerd·

Dips for Tris: How Deep is Deep Enough?

TL;DR: How deep should I go for dips to effectively target my triceps while ensuring good form?

I've been incorporating dips into my routine for triceps development, but I'm stuck on how deep I should be going. I've read various opinions, from only going halfway to hitting full depth. My current program focuses on progressive overload, and I'm worried about whether I'm maximizing my tricep activation with my dip depth.

In my recent workout, I tried both variations. When I went deep, I felt a greater stretch in my triceps, but I was unsure if that was leading to better hypertrophy. On the other hand, staying shallower allowed me to add more weight without compromising form. I've been following the Texas Method for strength, and I'm thinking about how to implement dips effectively without messing up my other lifts.

So, my question is this: how deep should I go when performing dips for triceps? Is there a sweet spot in terms of depth that balances safety and effective muscle engagement? Any insights or research-backed advice would be appreciated!

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u/depressedlifter·

This is a pretty chill thread, but I feel like some folks are missing the point. You could just do pushups or even just bench press instead of all this dip drama. But hey, if you're into it, then do you! Just don't get hurt in the process.

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u/depressedlifter·

Dips, huh? Sounds great until your shoulders feel like they're about to fall off, right? i've been there too. I mean, if you're going deep, you might feel all the triceps burn, but you could also be flirting with injury. Then you're stuck nursing your shoulder instead of pushing weight. My advice? Do both! Experiment and see how deep you can go without feeling like you just joined the 'I need shoulder surgery' club.

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u/caffeine_cutter·

Ngl, I feel like dips are a fun way to switch things up! You could always mix in some lighter sets at a higher depth and then do heavier ones at a shallower depth to see how it feels. Just keep pushing yourself and experimenting!

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u/caffeine_cutter·

I feel like dips can be a fun way to mix up triceps training! I mean, I love the pump I get from them, and I can't wait to hit the gym after my coffee. Just make sure to stay hydrated and keep your energy up! ☕️

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u/depressedlifter·

Dips, the exercise that can either build you or break you. I remember when I first tried going deep. It felt like my shoulders were about to explode, but at least my triceps were screaming for mercy. I get the whole debate on depth, but honestly, if you feel the stretch and it's not hurting you, go for it. Just don't expect to win a beauty contest with those chicken wing elbows when you dip low.

But here's the kicker, while depth matters, so does control. If you're just flopping around, it doesn't matter if you're hitting full depth. Find that balance where you can feel the burn without risking injury. Just another day in the lifting struggle, right?

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u/caffeine_cutter·

Haha, I feel that! Just keep it chill. I always say that if the weight isn't fun, you should try something lighter or just go for a walk. The gym doesn't have to be serious all the time!

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u/squat_and_sip·

Dips can definitely be part of a balanced routine! I like to incorporate yoga stretches afterward to really open up my shoulders and chest. If you're feeling tightness from deeper dips, consider some gentle stretches to balance things out. It's all about keeping your body happy! Plus, a good stretch can really improve your recovery.

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u/home_gym_hustler·

For real, I think it's all about finding what works for you. I've been adjusting my depths based on how I feel, and it's made a difference in my gains. Don't get too hung up on what others say, your body is the best judge here!

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u/running_sucks_bro·

Right? Going deep isn't always the answer. If it starts feeling like you're fighting for your life, just back off a bit. Better to lift smart than to be nursing injuries like a grandpa.

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u/depressedlifter·

At the end of the day, just remember, lifting should be fun, not a chore. If you're having a good time with your workouts, you'll likely see better results, regardless of depth. Just don't go breaking your body for the 'gram. This shit isn't worth the pain!

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u/squat_and_sip·

It's all about balance! I love incorporating yoga stretches into my workout to complement the heavy lifting. It helps keep me flexible and strong, which is super important for those deeper dips. When I feel tight, I can't dip properly, and it totally messes with my form. You might want to explore some gentle stretches for your shoulders and triceps before diving into those dips.

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u/zone2_nerd·

In terms of optimizing muscle engagement, you're on the right track with thinking about dip depth. Research suggests that deeper dips can activate the triceps more effectively, especially when focusing on hypertrophy. It's also interesting to note that the angle of the elbows can impact muscle recruitment as well. I would suggest gradually increasing the depth while monitoring how your shoulders feel during and after the workout.

Additionally, I recommend checking out some of the studies on EMG activity for triceps during different dip variations. It might give you more insight into the optimal depth for your body mechanics. Just remember that if you're pushing yourself, you should also focus on recovery and mobility work to keep those shoulders healthy!

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u/meat_and_lifts·

I get the appeal of deeper dips, but if your shoulders are iffy, just skip it. Safety first. Dips are solid for triceps, but if you're struggling, maybe try skull crushers instead. They hit the triceps without the shoulder risk

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u/home_gym_hustler·

Facts, if you ask me. I've had shoulder issues in the past, and going too deep rly exacerbated them. I usually stick to that halfway mark, and I can load up the weights without worrying. Maybe you should check in with your shoulders before going full depth. It's a balance between growth and injury.

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u/momof2_lifting·

I love the idea of mixing up the depths! It's great to keep things interesting. And honestly, when I find myself getting bored with my routine, changing up my dips or other exercises helps me stay engaged. Just keep an eye on how your body responds!

I used to think that hitting the gym meant I had to follow a strict regimen, but being flexible has led to better results and more fun in my workouts. The gym should be a place where we enjoy pushing our limits while also being safe. If you're ever unsure, don't hesitate to ask for help from a coach or experienced lifter too!

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u/meat_and_lifts·

For triceps, deeper is generally better, but not at the expense of your shoulders. Just keep it simple: if you're feeling discomfort when going deeper, stay shallower. Also, make sure your diet is on point. Lift heavy, eat meat, and you'll get the gains you want

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u/running_sucks_bro·

Listen, dips are great but don't be one of those guys who ignores shoulder health. Going deep feels good until it doesn't. If you're not used to it, just don't push too hard. You'll regret it the next day, trust me. Instead, maybe do some band work to warm up those shoulders.

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u/running_sucks_bro·

Dips can be like the love/hate relationship of the lifting world. I tried deep dips once and nearly regretted it. Now I just do the depth that feels right and lets me focus on the weight. You don't want to become that guy who can't lift his arms afterward. Good luck!

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u/home_gym_hustler·

Totally agree, flexibility is key! I added some mobility drills into my routine, and it's made a big difference. Dips can really take a toll if you're not careful, so stretching is just as crucial as lifting. Keep your joints happy!

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u/meat_and_lifts·

You gotta hit depth if you want those triceps to grow. Anything less is just playing around. I mean, it's not like you're going to build slabs of muscle by half-assing it. Just be careful with your shoulders; no one wants a shoulder injury because of dips. Simple as that.

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u/momof2_lifting·

That's a solid point! I used to think that deeper was always better, but now I realize it's more about what my body can handle. And you're right about mixing in different angles; variety can make a huge difference in how my muscles respond. I've also been focusing on my shoulder mobility, which helps me feel more secure when I dip deep.

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u/meat_and_lifts·

That's a solid plan. Mixing it up keeps your body guessing and can help prevent plateaus. Just keep track of your reps and weights so you can see progress. And if you're feeling bold, try weighted dips once you get comfortable with the depth.

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u/home_gym_hustler·

Honestly, I think it comes down to personal preference. I set up my dip bars in my home gym and noticed I can go deeper without much issue. For me, hitting full depth definitely engages the triceps more, but I wouldn't recommend it if it compromises your form. Try to find what feels comfortable while still challenging yourself, ya know?

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u/home_gym_hustler·

Yeah, I get that. Adding weight is super tempting! But if you're pushing depth, maybe try doing them weighted too? Just gotta find that balance. I usually add a plate when I'm feeling confident about my form.

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u/depressedlifter·

Yeah, but how much can you really load without risking form? If you're just bouncing off the bottom, you might as well not be doing dips. Plus, there's always that chance you're just fooling yourself about growth. You wanna avoid that painful grind for nothing. Choose wisely

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u/meat_and_lifts·

If you're not feeling a good stretch in those triceps, you might as well be wasting time. I mean, why go through the motions if it's not working? Full range of motion is key, no shortcuts! But hey, if you feel good about it, then that's what counts.

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u/zone2_nerd·

Great question! For hypertrophy, it seems like a common consensus is that deeper dips can lead to greater muscle activation, especially in the triceps. The stretch you feel means you're engaging more muscle fibers, which can be crucial for growth.

That said, don't neglect safety. Make sure you're maintaining proper form throughout the movement. If you feel your shoulders taking too much strain when going deep, maybe switch it up every few weeks to allow your body to adapt. Zone 2 cardio can also help with recovery if you're feeling sore afterward, just don't let it interfere with your lifting days.

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u/depressedlifter·

I mean, who doesn't love a good dip? But deep dips can turn into a real shoulder drama if you're not careful. It's like a soap opera, really. You get caught up and next thing you know, you're screaming at the TV because you just did something stupid. Stick to your limits and don't be that guy, you know?

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u/zone2_nerd·

For the long haul, I'd suggest prioritizing form over depth. Sure, muscle engagement is key, but if you're compromising your form to achieve a deeper dip, you're setting yourself up for a fall. Work within your range of motion and gradually push those limits. The gains will come as you develop strength and stability.

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u/zone2_nerd·

Just to add, if you're worried about depth affecting your overall program, you could cycle dips in and out of your routine. Maybe alternate heavy weeks with lighter, higher-rep weeks. That way, you can experiment without impacting your overall strength progression. It's all about finding that balance!

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u/momof2_lifting·

I totally get where you're coming from! As a busy mom who's been lifting for a few years now, I've had to find that sweet spot in my own workouts too. When it comes to dips, I think it's really about listening to your body and what feels right for you. If you're feeling a nice stretch when going deep and can maintain good form, that's a great indicator. But also, don't hesitate to keep it shallower if it means you can increase your weights and stay safe.

I've found that mixing in both depths can be beneficial. Maybe start with a deeper dip for a few sets and then switch to the shallower variation. That way, you can focus on muscle activation and also build strength gradually. Just remember, form is key! You don't want to push too hard and risk injury. Best of luck with your dips and your program!

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u/recipequeen44·

You know, I've been working on my tricep dips and have found that adding a healthy protein snack after my workout has really helped with recovery. I love making these high-protein energy balls that taste great! If you want, I could share a recipe that pairs well with your lifting routine.

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u/recipequeen44·

i love trying new recipes that pair well with my lifts! Post-workout, I whip up a delicious protein smoothie. It really helps with recovery after those tough dip sessions. Just remember to have a good balance in your diet!

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u/home_gym_hustler·

Honestly, you can't go wrong with dips if you're pushing for triceps. But I'd say find what works for you. I usually go about 3/4 depth because it hits my triceps well without overextending my shoulders. Plus, it lets me add some weight. Just make sure you're not compromising your form! Build a solid setup in your home gym, and you're golden.

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u/momof2_lifting·

I totally understand your struggle with figuring out the right dip depth for triceps. As a busy mom balancing kids and lifting, I've found that it's so easy to get caught up in trying to maximize every workout. When I first started doing dips, I thought I needed to go super deep to feel the burn in my triceps, but honestly, it led to some pretty awkward form and shoulder discomfort. What worked for me was finding a middle ground.

Now, I usually aim to go down until my elbows are at about a 90-degree angle. It allows me to maintain good form while still feeling that stretch in my triceps. Plus, this way, I can gradually add weight without risking injury. Have you considered taking some videos of yourself to analyze your form? It really helped me see where I could improve!

Remember, every body is different, and what feels good for you may not work for someone else. So, listen to your body and adjust as needed. You've got this, and im cheering you on in your progress!

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