What To Know
- In this blog post, we’ll compare dips vs cable crossovers, so you can decide which exercise is right for you.
- Both dips and cable crossovers target the triceps brachii, the muscle on the back of your upper arm.
- Can I do both dips and cable crossovers in the same workout.
Dips and cable crossovers are two of the most effective exercises for building triceps. But which one is better? In this blog post, we’ll compare dips vs cable crossovers, so you can decide which exercise is right for you.
Muscle Activation
Both dips and cable crossovers target the triceps brachii, the muscle on the back of your upper arm. However, dips also activate the anterior deltoids (front of the shoulders) and the pectoralis major (chest), while cable crossovers primarily target the triceps.
Range of Motion
Dips involve a greater range of motion than cable crossovers. This means that dips can help you to build more muscle mass and strength in your triceps.
Resistance
Cable crossovers allow you to adjust the resistance more easily than dips. This makes cable crossovers a good option for beginners or those who are recovering from an injury.
Safety
Dips are a more advanced exercise than cable crossovers. This is because dips can put more stress on your shoulders and elbows. If you have any shoulder or elbow pain, you should avoid dips.
Which Exercise Is Right for You?
The best exercise for you depends on your individual goals and fitness level. If you’re a beginner, cable crossovers are a good option. If you’re more advanced and want to build more muscle mass and strength, dips are a better choice.
How to Perform Dips
1. Stand facing a dip bar with your hands shoulder-width apart.
2. Step onto the bar and lower yourself down until your chest touches the bar.
3. Push yourself back up to the starting position.
How to Perform Cable Crossovers
1. Stand facing a cable crossover machine with your feet shoulder-width apart.
2. Grab the handles with your palms facing each other.
3. Step back until there is tension on the cables.
4. Cross your arms over your body and pull the handles down to your chest.
5. Slowly extend your arms back to the starting position.
Variations
There are many variations of dips and cable crossovers. Here are a few examples:
- Weighted dips: Add weight to your dips by wearing a weight belt or holding dumbbells.
- Incline dips: Perform dips on an incline bench to increase the range of motion.
- Decline dips: Perform dips on a decline bench to decrease the range of motion.
- Single-arm cable crossovers: Perform cable crossovers with one arm at a time.
- Reverse-grip cable crossovers: Perform cable crossovers with a reverse grip (palms facing up).
Summary
Dips and cable crossovers are both effective exercises for building triceps. The best exercise for you depends on your individual goals and fitness level. If you’re a beginner, start with cable crossovers. If you’re more advanced, try dips.
Top Questions Asked
Q: Which exercise is better for building mass?
A: Dips are better for building mass because they involve a greater range of motion and activate more muscle groups.
Q: Which exercise is better for beginners?
A: Cable crossovers are better for beginners because they are easier to perform and put less stress on the joints.
Q: Can I do both dips and cable crossovers in the same workout?
A: Yes, you can do both dips and cable crossovers in the same workout. However, if you are a beginner, start with one exercise and gradually add the other.
