Movement overview

Straight Bar Dips are a compound upper body exercise primarily targeting the triceps, chest, and shoulders. This exercise involves lowering and raising your body using a straight bar, engaging multiple muscle groups for strength and stability.

Step-by-step cues

1. Position yourself above a straight bar with your arms fully extended and hands shoulder-width apart.
2. Engage your core and keep your body straight as you lower yourself by bending your elbows.
3. Lower your body until your shoulders are below your elbows or as far as comfortable.
4. Press through your palms to extend your elbows and return to the starting position.
5. Maintain control throughout the movement and avoid swinging or using momentum.

Technical tips

• Keep your elbows close to your body to maximize tricep engagement.
• Focus on a slow and controlled descent to increase muscle activation.
• Ensure your shoulders remain stable and do not hunch forward during the movement.
• Breathe in as you lower yourself and exhale as you push back up.
• If you're new to this exercise, consider using assistance bands or a dip machine for support.