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Resistance Band Assisted Dip

Beginner

Assisted dip on parallel bars using a resistance band that targets chest, shoulders, and triceps to build upper body strength and stability; suitable for beginners progressing to unassisted dips.

About Exercise

Equipment

Bands, Dip Bars

Difficulty

2/5 • Beginner

Primary Muscle Groups

Triceps, Chest

Secondary Muscles

Lats, Traps

Popularity Score

7

Goals

Strength
Hypertrophy

Training Style

Calisthenics
Bodybuilding

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Small

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Triceps

9/10

Lateral Head, Medial Head

Chest

8/10

Mid Chest

Shoulders

7/10

Anterior Delts

Lats

4/10

Traps

3/10

Upper Traps

Programming

Typical Rep Range

8-15 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-90 seconds

How to Perform

Loop a resistance band around the middle of parallel bars to create a sling. Step one foot or place both knees into the band, grip bars slightly wider than shoulders with arms extended.

  1. Engage core and keep chest up.
  2. Inhale and bend elbows to lower body slowly.
  3. Descend until upper arms are parallel to floor.
  4. Exhale and press through palms to extend arms.
  5. Push body up to starting position.
  6. Avoid locking elbows at top.
  7. Repeat for reps, maintaining control.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Keep elbows tucked.
  • Core tight throughout.
  • Gaze forward.
  • Ribs down.
  • Push through palms.

Breathing

Inhale during descent and brace core; exhale during ascent.

Tempo

3-1-1

Range of Motion

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

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Secure band firmly to bars.
  • Stop if shoulder or elbow pain occurs.
  • Use thicker band if needed for more assistance.
  • Avoid hyperextension of elbows.
  • Prioritize form over depth.

Spotting

Not typically required with band assistance; use spotter for heavy progressions or if form falters.

Common Mistakes

  • Flaring elbows excessively.
  • Bouncing at bottom.
  • Leaning too far forward.
  • Locking elbows at top.
  • Sagging shoulders.

When to Avoid

  • Acute shoulder impingement
  • Elbow joint pain

Flexibility Needed

  • Shoulder flexion to 180 degrees

Build Up First

  • Basic upper body pushing strength
  • Familiarity with bodyweight dips

Also known as

Band Assisted Dip, Assisted Parallel Bar Dip, Resistance Assisted Dip

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