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Speed for this exercise

Machine-Assisted Dip

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3sets
8-12reps
90srest
~6.1kcal/min

How to do it

Muscles worked

Secondary
TricepsBShoulders

Secondary muscles help but are not the main target

See the full tier list · Chest

Feel it right

Where you should feel it, the one cue to remember, and quick fixes when you feel it somewhere else.

You should feel it inChest

Lower chest and back of the arms — lean forward for more chest, stay upright for more triceps.

Key cue (the coach says it during the set)“Shoulders down, lower until the elbows reach 90.”

Tempo · Down 2 s · up 1 s

Choosing the load: Pick a weight you finish with 1–2 good reps left. 4+ left = too light; form breaks = too heavy.

Feel it somewhere else? Fix it like this

  • Feel it in ShouldersGoing too deep with the shoulders rolling forward. Stop at a 90° elbow bend and keep the chest open.
  • Feel it in Neck / upper trapsShrugging toward the ears. Push the shoulders down before every rep.
  • Feel it in ElbowsElbows flaring and snapping into lockout. Keep them close to the body and finish smoothly.
  • Barely felt itToo light or too fast. Lower for 3 seconds, pause 1 second at the stretch, and pick a load that leaves only 1–2 reps in the tank.
  • Joint painSharp or joint pain is a stop sign: end this set, lower the weight, shorten the range — if it repeats, switch to an easier variation.

During a workout we ask after the first set where you felt it and give the fix right away — and remember it for next time.

Tips

  • Kneel on the pad — more counterweight makes the dip easier.
  • Use only as much assistance as you need, and reduce it over time.
  • Only go as deep as your shoulders comfortably allow.
  • Keep your shoulders pulled down, away from your ears, throughout.
  • Adjust the seat so your joint lines up with the machine’s pivot point.

Common mistakes

  • Dropping too fast and bouncing out of the bottom.
  • Letting your shoulders roll forward and shrug up at the bottom.

Breathing

Inhale as you lower, exhale as you press up.

Equipment needed

Recommended by goal

Build muscle3–4 sets × 8–12 reps · rest 60–90 s
Strength4–5 sets × 4–6 reps · rest 2–3 min
Endurance2–3 sets × 15–20 reps · rest 30–45 s

Variations of this move

Alternatives for the same muscle