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Parallel bar dip

Dip bars

Primary muscles

Secondary muscles

Leaning forward emphasises the lower chest; staying upright shifts work to the triceps.

Form cues

  • Lower until the shoulders are just below the elbows
  • Keep the shoulders down
  • Lock out without shrugging
Full parallel bar dip guide →

What each muscle does in the parallel bar dip

MuscleRoleAction
Pectoralis majorPrimaryFlexes, adducts and medially rotates the arm
Triceps brachiiPrimaryExtends the elbow; the long head also extends the arm
Anterior deltoidSecondaryFlexes and medially rotates the arm at the shoulder
Pectoralis minorSecondaryPulls the scapula forward and down and rotates it downward
RhomboidsSecondaryRetract, elevate and downwardly rotate the scapula

Primary muscles are the prime movers; secondary muscles assist or stabilise. The balance shifts with grip, stance, range of motion and technique.

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