Machine Assisted Dip

Beginner

Machine assisted dip that targets triceps, chest, and shoulders to build upper body strength and endurance; scalable by adjusting assistance weight for progression to bodyweight dips.

About Exercise

Equipment

Assisted Dip Machine

Difficulty

2/5 • Beginner

Primary Muscle Groups

Triceps, Chest, Shoulders

Secondary Muscles

Lats, Abs

Popularity Score

8

Goals

Strength
Hypertrophy
Endurance

Training Style

Weightlifting
Bodybuilding

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Small

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Triceps

10/10

Lateral Head, Medial Head, Long Head

Chest

9/10

Lower Chest, Upper Chest

Shoulders

8/10

Anterior Delts

Lats

4/10

Abs

3/10
Programming

Typical Rep Range

8-15 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-120 seconds

How to Perform

Select assistance weight on the machine, step onto the platform, grasp the handles slightly wider than shoulder-width with palms facing inward, and kneel or stand with arms extended and core braced.

  1. Inhale and bend elbows to lower body until upper arms are parallel to floor.
  2. Keep torso upright for triceps focus or lean forward for chest emphasis.
  3. Exhale and press through palms to extend arms and raise body.
  4. Avoid locking elbows at the top.
  5. Maintain shoulders down away from ears.
  6. Repeat for reps while controlling descent and ascent.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Elbows close to body
  • Torso upright or leaned forward
  • Shoulders down
  • Core tight
  • Controlled descent

Breathing

Inhale during lowering phase, exhale during pressing phase, and brace core throughout.

Tempo

3-1-1

Range of Motion

Lower until upper arms parallel to floor or elbows at 90 degrees; extend arms without locking elbows at top.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Avoid if acute shoulder or elbow pain
  • Do not dip below parallel to reduce shoulder stress
  • Maintain neutral spine
  • Increase assistance if discomfort occurs
  • Consult professional for form check

Spotting

Not required; machine provides built-in assistance and stability.

Common Mistakes

  • Shrugging shoulders
  • Locking elbows
  • Dipping too low
  • Arching back
  • Flaring elbows excessively

When to Avoid

  • Shoulder impingement
  • Elbow joint pain
  • Recent upper body injury

Flexibility Needed

  • Shoulder flexion to 90 degrees
  • Elbow extension mobility

Build Up First

  • Basic pushing movement proficiency
  • Familiarity with dip bars

Also known as

Assisted Dip, Gravitron Dip, Chin Dip Assist Dip

Found this helpful?

Share your thoughts or help us improve this guide.

Hero Image

Master your movement.

Experience automatic exercise detection and rep counting - powered by the motion of your Apple Watch.

We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience, serve personalized content, and analyze our traffic. By clicking 'Accept All', you consent to our use of cookies.