Dips Plus The Best exercise to target your lower chest, build strength, and tone your upper body. Discover tips and benefits for better results.
Introduction
Dips Plus is a great exercise for targeting the lower chest. It’s an advanced version of the regular dip, and it works the lower part of the chest, along with the triceps and shoulders. By leaning forward slightly during the dip, you can activate your chest muscles more effectively.
This exercise helps improve chest strength and definition. It’s simple to do, requires no special equipment, and can be done at the gym or at home. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced, dips plus is a great way to build a stronger, more sculpted chest.
What is Dips Plus?

Dips Plus is an advanced variation of the traditional dip exercise that specifically targets the lower chest. While regular dips work the triceps, shoulders, and chest, Dips Plus emphasizes the lower chest by incorporating a slight forward lean during the movement. This forward lean shifts the focus from the triceps to the chest, helping to activate the lower pectoral muscles more effectively.
To perform Dips Plus, you use parallel bars or dip bars, lower your body by bending your elbows, and then push yourself back up while maintaining that forward lean. This variation is great for those looking to build a well-rounded, defined chest, as it isolates the lower chest muscles and contributes to overall upper body strength.
Type of Dips Plus Exercise
Dips Plus is an effective exercise for building the lower chest, and it can be modified in several ways to target different parts of the chest and increase the intensity. By adjusting your body position or the equipment used, you can further emphasize the lower pectorals and ensure you’re working a variety of muscle groups. Here are the main types of Dips Plus variations:
Standard Dips Plus
This is the basic form of Dips Plus, where you perform the dip with a slight forward lean to emphasize the lower chest. Your elbows should be angled out slightly, and you focus on lowering your body until your upper arms are parallel to the ground.
Weighted Dips Plus
To increase intensity, you can add weight using a dip belt or weighted vest. This variation helps build strength and muscle mass more effectively by increasing resistance. The form and technique remain the same as the standard Dips Plus, but the added weight makes it more challenging.
Chest-Targeted Dips Plus
To further focus on the chest, you can lean forward even more during the dip. This helps place more emphasis on the pectoral muscles, especially the lower chest. The deeper the lean, the more activation of the chest muscles you’ll achieve.
Assisted Dips Plus
If you’re a beginner or find Dips Plus too difficult, you can use an assisted dip machine or resistance bands to help lift some of your body weight. This allows you to practice the movement and gradually build strength until you’re able to perform the exercise unassisted.
Straight Leg Dips Plus
In this variation, you keep your legs straight and together as you perform the dip. Keeping the legs extended places more focus on the upper body, increasing the difficulty of the exercise and targeting the chest, shoulders, and triceps more effectively.
Knee-Dip Dips Plus
A modification for those who need to reduce the intensity, this version involves slightly bending the knees to make the movement easier while still targeting the lower chest and upper body muscles.
Benefits of Dips Plus [1]
Dips Plus is a powerful bodyweight exercise that targets the lower chest, triceps, and shoulders. This advanced variation of the regular dip is highly effective for building upper body strength and improving muscle definition. Whether you’re new to fitness or an experienced lifter, adding Dips Plus to your routine can help you achieve better results faster. Here’s a look at the key benefits of Dips Plus:
Focuses on the Lower Chest
One of the main benefits of Dips Plus is its ability to specifically target the lower chest. By leaning forward during the dip, the exercise activates the lower part of the pectoral muscles, helping to create a fuller, more defined chest. This makes it an essential exercise for anyone looking to improve chest development and appearance.
Builds Upper Body Strength
Dips Plus is a compound exercise, meaning it works multiple muscles at once. It engages the triceps, shoulders, and pectorals, making it great for building overall upper body strength. This exercise can help you become stronger for other pushing movements, such as push-ups, bench presses, and overhead presses.
Enhances Muscle Definition
By performing Dips Plus regularly, you’ll notice improved muscle definition in both your chest and arms. The exercise engages key muscles, which helps to tone and sculpt the upper body, contributing to a leaner and more defined physique.
Requires No Equipment
One of the best things about Dips Plus is that it’s a bodyweight exercise, meaning you don’t need any special equipment. All you need is access to parallel bars or dip bars, making it a convenient option for both gym-goers and those who prefer to work out at home.
Strengthens the Triceps
Dips Plus is also a fantastic exercise for strengthening and building the triceps. By pushing your body up and down during the movement, you target the back of the arms, helping to improve both size and strength in the triceps, which enhances your overall arm development.
Improves Shoulder Stability
Dips Plus also works the shoulders, which can improve shoulder stability and strength. Strong shoulders are important for preventing injuries and for better performance in other exercises. Regularly doing Dips Plus can help you build solid shoulder muscles and enhance your upper body function.
Versatile and Adjustable
Dips Plus is a versatile exercise that can be modified for your fitness level. If you’re new to dips, you can use assistance, such as resistance bands or an assisted dip machine, to make the exercise easier. As you get stronger, you can perform unassisted dips and even add weights to make the exercise more challenging.
Boosts Functional Strength
Dips Plus helps to build functional strength. This means you’re not just strengthening muscles for aesthetics, but you’re also improving your ability to perform everyday tasks and other physical activities. Stronger pushing and lifting movements translate into improved performance in sports and daily life.
Diet Plan for Dips plus
To get the best results from your Dips Plus workout, you need to eat a balanced diet that supports muscle growth, recovery, and energy. Eating the right foods will help you perform better and build stronger muscles. Focus on a diet rich in protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates to fuel your body for workouts and recovery.
Here’s a simple diet plan to support your Dips Plus training:
Meal | Foods | Purpose |
---|---|---|
Breakfast | Oats, scrambled eggs, spinach, whole-grain toast, banana | Provides energy and protein for muscle building. |
Snack | Greek yogurt with honey, mixed nuts, berries | Supports muscle recovery and keeps energy levels up. |
Lunch | Grilled chicken, quinoa, broccoli, avocado | Fuels your workout and helps build muscle. |
Pre-Workout | Whole-grain crackers with peanut butter or protein smoothie | Gives you energy for your workout. |
Post-Workout | Salmon, sweet potato, mixed greens | Helps repair muscles and refuel energy after a workout. |
Dinner | Lean beef or turkey, brown rice, salad | Supports muscle recovery and growth overnight. |
Evening Snack | Cottage cheese with flaxseeds or a protein shake | Provides slow-digesting protein for muscle repair. |
Key Points to Remember:
- Protein: Aim to eat protein-rich foods (like chicken, yogurt, and eggs) to help repair and grow your muscles.
- Carbs: Include healthy carbs (like oats, quinoa, and sweet potatoes) to fuel your workout and aid recovery.
- Healthy Fats: Eat healthy fats (such as avocado, nuts, and olive oil) for overall health and muscle repair.
- Hydration: Drink enough water throughout the day to stay hydrated and perform well.
- Calorie Surplus for Muscle Gain: If you’re looking to build muscle, eat a bit more than your usual calorie intake to support muscle growth.
Tips for Success
Dips Plus is a powerful exercise for building strength and muscle, especially in your chest, triceps, and shoulders. To get the most out of this exercise and see the best results, it’s important to follow some key tips. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced, applying these tips will help you perform Dips Plus more effectively and safely.
Maintain Proper Form
Proper form is essential to avoid injury and target the right muscles. Keep your back straight, lean forward slightly to engage your lower chest, and avoid letting your shoulders hunch up. Make sure your elbows are at a 45-degree angle, not flaring out too wide, to reduce stress on the shoulders.
Start with Assisted Dips
If you’re new to Dips Plus, start with assisted dips or use a dip machine. This allows you to build strength gradually without overloading your muscles. As you become stronger, you can progress to unassisted dips and then add weights for more resistance.

Control Your Movement
Don’t rush through the exercise. Control both the lowering and lifting phases of the dip. Going too fast can reduce the effectiveness of the exercise and increase the risk of injury. Aim for a slow, controlled movement to fully engage the chest and triceps.
Gradually Increase Intensity
Once you’ve mastered the standard Dips Plus, try adding weight to make the exercise more challenging. You can use a dip belt or a weighted vest to increase resistance and promote muscle growth. Just be sure to maintain good form as the intensity increases.
Warm-Up Properly
Before starting Dips Plus, make sure to warm up your upper body to avoid injury. Do some light cardio, followed by dynamic stretches, and perform a few warm-up sets with an easier dip variation. This prepares your muscles and joints for the intensity of the workout.
Focus on the Chest
While Dips Plus works multiple muscle groups, leaning forward more will engage the lower chest more effectively. Make sure you’re leaning enough to focus on this area. You should feel the contraction in your chest as you press yourself back up.
Rest and Recover
Give your muscles enough time to recover after a Dips Plus workout. Muscles grow and become stronger during rest, not during the workout itself. Aim for 48 hours of recovery before working the same muscle group again to avoid overtraining.
Consistency is Key
Like any exercise, consistency is crucial for seeing progress. Incorporate Dips Plus into your workout routine 2-3 times a week, combined with other upper-body exercises, to see maximum benefits. Stick with it and be patient as you build strength and muscle.
Conclusion
Dips Plus is a great exercise for building a stronger, more defined upper body. It mainly targets the lower chest, triceps, and shoulders, helping you increase strength and muscle tone. Whether you’re aiming to improve your chest or build stronger arms, Dips Plus can help you reach your fitness goals. To get the most out of Dips Plus, focus on good form, start with assisted dips if needed, and gradually increase the intensity. Pair it with a balanced diet and proper rest for the best results. With consistency and effort, you’ll see improvements in your strength and muscle development.
FAQs about Dips Plus
What are Dips Plus?
Dips Plus is an advanced variation of the traditional dip exercise, often incorporating additional resistance, such as weight plates or a dip belt, to increase the difficulty.
What muscles do Dips Plus target?
Dips Plus primarily target the triceps, chest, and shoulders, but can also engage the core and back depending on the form and technique.
How are Dips Plus different from regular dips?
Dips Plus involve added resistance (like weight or a dip belt), making the exercise more challenging and helping to build more strength and muscle.
Can beginners do Dips Plus?
Dips Plus are more advanced than regular dips. Beginners should master the basic dip first before progressing to Dips Plus.
How do I perform Dips Plus correctly?
Start with your hands gripping the bars, keep your body straight, lower yourself down by bending your elbows, then push back up. Add weight using a dip belt once you’re comfortable with bodyweight dips.
What’s the best weight for Dips Plus?
Start with a light weight that allows you to complete your reps with good form. Gradually increase the weight as your strength improves.
Are Dips Plus effective for building muscle?
Yes, Dips Plus are excellent for building muscle, particularly in the triceps, chest, and shoulders, as they provide added resistance.
How many reps and sets should I do for Dips Plus?
Typically, 3-4 sets of 6-8 reps with added weight are effective for muscle growth. Adjust based on your fitness goals.
Can Dips Plus be done every day?
It’s not recommended to do Dips Plus every day. Allow at least 48 hours of rest for muscle recovery before performing them again.
Do I need a dip belt for Dips Plus?
A dip belt is helpful if you want to add resistance. However, you can also use weight vests or dumbbells to make the exercise more challenging.
Are Dips Plus safe for beginners?
Dips Plus may not be safe for beginners due to the added resistance. Start with bodyweight dips and work up to Dips Plus when you’re ready.
What are the benefits of Dips Plus?
Dips Plus help to increase upper body strength, enhance muscle definition, and improve endurance. They also challenge the core and stabilize muscles.
Can Dips Plus help with chest development?
Yes, Dips Plus are great for chest development, especially when leaning forward during the dip to put more emphasis on the chest muscles.
What are some common mistakes to avoid during Dips Plus?
Common mistakes include letting the elbows flare out too much, not going deep enough on the dip, and swinging the body for momentum. Always keep your form controlled and steady.
Are Dips Plus better than push-ups?
Dips Plus and push-ups target different muscle groups. Dips Plus focus more on the triceps, chest, and shoulders, while push-ups also engage the core. Both are beneficial and can complement each other in a workout routine.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional or certified fitness trainer before starting any new exercise.
By healthylyfe