EXERCISE GUIDE

Parallel Bar Dip

The Parallel Bar Dip is an intermediate bodyweight press that primarily trains the triceps, with the chest and shoulders assisting. It is useful for building pressing strength through the chest, shoulders and triceps.

Primary muscles
triceps
Secondary muscles
chest, shoulders
Equipment
bodyweight
Difficulty
intermediate

TARGET AREA

Muscles worked

Primary muscles

triceps

Secondary muscles

chest, shoulders

THE MOVEMENT

How to perform

  1. Support the body on parallel bars with the elbows straight and shoulders controlled.
  2. Lean slightly forward and bend the elbows as the body lowers between the bars.
  3. Descend only as far as the shoulders remain stable and comfortable.
  4. Press the bars down to return to the top without bouncing.

IRONYOU / CORE

Core cues

  • Keep the shoulders down and controlled throughout the rep.
  • Use only the depth that feels stable at the shoulders.
  • Move smoothly without swinging the legs or bouncing.

STAY SHARP

Common mistakes

  • Forcing a deeper bottom position than the shoulders can control.
  • Shrugging the shoulders up toward the ears.
  • Swinging or bouncing to get through the hardest part of the rep.

YOUR PROGRESS

Your strength

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IRONYOU RANK SYSTEM

Standards

Numeric standards are not published

Your IronYou rank can be calculated for this exercise, but numeric public strength standards are not currently published.

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KEEP EXPLORING

Variations

  • Related variations: Triceps Pushdown, Skullcrusher, and Bench Dip.
  • Choose the version that matches your equipment, joint comfort, and the movement you can repeat consistently.

EARLY ACCESS

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