Skip to main content
Back

Exercise

Lever Seated Dip

Lever Seated Dip
Add to Workout

Lever Seated Dip

Build

How to Perform

  1. Adjust the seat height so your arms are fully extended when gripping the parallel handles, and place your feet flat on the platform or floor.
  2. Sit upright with shoulders pulled back, gripping the handles with a neutral grip (palms facing each other) and elbows fully extended.
  3. Inhale and slowly bend your elbows to lower your body, keeping your torso as vertical as possible while maintaining contact between your back and the backrest.
  4. Control the descent until your elbows reach approximately 90 degrees, ensuring your shoulders remain down and away from your ears.
  5. Pause briefly at the bottom position while maintaining tension in your triceps and chest.
  6. Exhale forcefully as you press through your palms to straighten your elbows and return to the starting position.
  7. Focus on pushing through your triceps rather than using momentum, keeping your wrists neutral and aligned with your forearms throughout the movement.
  8. At the top position, fully extend your elbows without locking them out, maintaining tension in your triceps before beginning the next repetition.

Important information

  • Keep your chest up and shoulders down throughout the exercise to prevent unnecessary strain on your shoulder joints.
  • Avoid leaning forward during the movement as this shifts emphasis away from the triceps and can strain your shoulders.
  • If you experience wrist discomfort, try adjusting your grip or using wrist wraps for additional support.
  • Start with lighter weight to master proper form before progressing to heavier loads.

Exercise Details

Primary Muscles

Pecs Triceps

Muscle Groups

Chest exercises Arm exercises

Mechanic

Compound

Risk Areas

Triceps Pecs

Built for progress

Take the guesswork out of training

Create personalized AI-powered workout plans that evolve with you. Train smarter, track every rep and keep moving forward, one workout at a time.

Be among the first to join!
GrabGains workout plans

The Lever Seated Dip stands as a powerful compound movement in any serious bodybuilder's arsenal, targeting both the pecs and triceps with remarkable efficiency. This intermediate-level exercise has earned its reputation in bodybuilding circles for its ability to build impressive upper body strength while adding noticeable mass to the chest and arms.

When incorporated into a structured strength training program, the Lever Seated Dip offers a mechanical advantage that traditional bodyweight dips might not provide. The machine's design allows for precise resistance control, making it particularly valuable for those looking to push beyond plateaus in their chest and tricep development. Many seasoned lifters appreciate how this movement effectively isolates the targeted muscle groups while reducing stress on the shoulder joints compared to its free-weight counterparts.

For intermediate lifters focused on hypertrophy, the Lever Seated Dip delivers exceptional muscle fiber recruitment across the pectoralis major and all three heads of the triceps. This comprehensive stimulation explains why it's become a staple in bodybuilding routines aimed at developing that coveted thick, powerful upper body appearance. The exercise's biomechanics create a unique stretching tension at the bottom position, which research suggests may enhance muscle growth potential when performed with proper form and appropriate loading.

Strength athletes also benefit substantially from this movement, as it builds pressing power that transfers well to other lifts like bench press variations. The stabilization required throughout the motion additionally enhances overall upper body coordination and muscular control. Many powerlifters incorporate this exercise as an accessory movement to strengthen potential weak points in their pressing chain.

When programmed intelligently within a well-designed training split, the Lever Seated Dip can significantly contribute to both aesthetic development and functional strength gains, making it a versatile option for those with intermediate experience looking to advance their physique and performance goals.

FAQ - Lever Seated Dip

What muscles does the Lever Seated Dip target?

The Lever Seated Dip primarily targets the triceps (all three heads) and pectoralis major (chest). Secondary muscles engaged include the anterior deltoids (front shoulders) and serratus anterior, making it an effective compound movement for upper body development.

How should I properly perform the Lever Seated Dip?

Sit with your back against the pad, grasp the handles with a firm grip, and keep your elbows tucked at roughly a 45-degree angle to your torso. Lower yourself by bending at the elbows until you feel a stretch in your chest, then press back up to the starting position by fully extending your arms without locking out your elbows.

How does the Lever Seated Dip compare to traditional bodyweight dips?

The Lever Seated Dip offers more controlled resistance and reduced shoulder stress compared to traditional dips. The fixed movement pattern makes it more accessible for intermediate lifters, while the machine's design allows for precise weight selection that can be particularly beneficial for progressive overload and hypertrophy training.

What are common mistakes to avoid with the Lever Seated Dip?

The most common mistakes include flaring the elbows too wide (which stresses the shoulders), using excessive weight (compromising form), and failing to achieve a full range of motion. Also avoid bouncing at the bottom of the movement or locking out your elbows at the top, as these can lead to joint strain and reduced muscle activation.

How often should I include Lever Seated Dips in my training routine?

For optimal results, incorporate Lever Seated Dips 1-2 times weekly as part of your chest or triceps training day. Allow 48-72 hours of recovery between sessions targeting these muscle groups, and adjust the volume based on your experience level—typically 3-4 sets of 8-12 repetitions works well for hypertrophy goals.

Alternative Exercises

Weighted Tricep Dips

Weighted Tricep Dips

Weighted Tricep Dips stand as a formidable evolution of the classic bodyweight dip, challenging even intermediate fitness enthusiasts to push their upper body development to new heights. This compound movement primarily targets the triceps brachii—those horseshoe-shaped muscles at the back of your arms—while simultaneously engaging the pectoral muscles for comprehensive upper body strength. The beauty of weighted dips lies in their versatility across training styles. In bodybuilding circles, they're revered for their ability to add impressive mass and definition to the triceps and lower chest when performed with moderate weight and controlled tempo. Meanwhile, HIIT enthusiasts incorporate lighter weighted variations with higher repetitions to simultaneously build strength and elevate cardiovascular output during intense circuit training. What sets weighted dips apart from other triceps exercises is the significant mechanical tension they create through a full range of motion. The added resistance—whether from a dip belt, weighted vest, or dumbbell held between the knees—intensifies the strength-building stimulus, promoting greater muscle fiber recruitment than bodyweight versions alone. This makes them particularly effective for breaking through strength plateaus when conventional pushing movements no longer provide adequate challenge. For those serious about developing impressive arm definition, weighted dips offer unparalleled triceps activation. The exercise creates substantial time under tension through the eccentric (lowering) phase, triggering the microscopic muscle damage necessary for growth and repair. This makes them an excellent complement to pressing movements like bench press and overhead press in a comprehensive strength program. While certainly not a beginner movement, weighted dips represent a worthy progression for those who've mastered bodyweight variations and are looking to continue their strength development. The exercise's ability to simultaneously build functional pushing power while sculpting aesthetically pleasing arms and chest makes it a time-efficient choice for intermediate lifters with serious training goals.

Strength
Bodybuilding
HIIT
Other
Stability Ball Pike Push-Up

Stability Ball Pike Push-Up

The Stability Ball Pike Push-Up stands as a formidable challenge in the realm of advanced bodyweight training, elevating the traditional push-up to an entirely new dimension of difficulty. This movement seamlessly blends shoulder strength development with core stabilization, making it a powerful addition to any serious fitness enthusiast's repertoire. This exercise primarily targets the front deltoids, the anterior portion of your shoulders responsible for that coveted capped look, while simultaneously engaging the triceps as crucial secondary movers. What truly sets this exercise apart, however, is the extraordinary core engagement required to maintain proper positioning throughout the movement. Perfect for integration into high-intensity interval training sessions or CrossFit WODs, the Stability Ball Pike Push-Up delivers maximum stimulus with minimal equipment. The instability factor introduces an element that traditional gym machines simply cannot replicate, forcing your body to recruit stabilizing muscles throughout your entire kinetic chain. Bodybuilders also appreciate this movement for its ability to isolate and sculpt the shoulders while maintaining functional strength patterns. The compound nature of this exercise makes it particularly effective for developing practical, real-world strength. As you progress with this movement, you'll notice improvements in overhead pressing power, core stability, and overall body control. The intense demand placed on your core musculature creates a synergistic effect, enhancing total-body strength beyond what isolated movements can achieve. For those seeking to break through plateaus in their fitness journey, the Stability Ball Pike Push-Up represents an excellent progression tool. The instability of the ball coupled with the inverted body position creates a unique challenge that forces muscular adaptation. This exercise embodies the principle that true strength isn't just about moving weight: it's about controlling your body through space with precision and power.

Strength
Core
HIIT
Crossfit
+1
Stability ball
High Pulley Overhead Tricep Extension

High Pulley Overhead Tricep Extension

The High Pulley Overhead Tricep Extension stands as a quintessential isolation movement for anyone serious about developing their triceps. This intermediate-level exercise has earned its place in countless bodybuilding and strength training programs due to its effectiveness at targeting the triceps brachii with remarkable precision. When you're looking to add definition and power to the back of your arms, this movement delivers consistent results by emphasizing the long head of the triceps—the largest portion of the muscle that significantly contributes to that coveted horseshoe appearance. The beauty of using the cable pulley system lies in the constant tension it provides throughout the entire range of motion, something free weights simply cannot replicate with the same efficiency. For intermediate lifters who have mastered basic tricep movements, the High Pulley Overhead Extension offers the perfect progression to continue challenging these muscles. The exercise excels at isolating the triceps while minimizing involvement from supporting muscle groups, making it particularly valuable for bodybuilders seeking targeted hypertrophy in their arm development strategy. Strength athletes benefit from this movement as well, as stronger triceps translate to improved performance in pressing movements like the bench press and overhead press. The overhead position specifically trains the triceps in a stretched state, which research suggests may optimize muscle growth and development of functional strength through a complete range of motion. While primarily known as a bodybuilding staple, this exercise bridges the gap between aesthetic-focused training and practical strength development. The controlled nature of the movement allows for focused mind-muscle connection—a critical component for maximizing growth stimulus in any resistance training program. Whether incorporated into an arm-specific training day or as a finishing movement in a push workout, the High Pulley Overhead Tricep Extension delivers exceptional value for intermediate lifters committed to building impressive, powerful arms.

Strength
Bodybuilding
Cable
Push-Up to Renegade Row

Push-Up to Renegade Row

The Push-Up to Renegade Row combines two powerful compound movements, creating an intermediate-level exercise that delivers remarkable bang for your buck in minimal time. This dynamic pairing targets multiple major muscle groups simultaneously, with primary activation in the pectoral muscles, triceps, and anterior deltoids during the push-up phase, then shifting focus to the latissimus dorsi during the row component. What makes this exercise particularly effective is its ability to transition seamlessly between pushing and pulling patterns, creating a comprehensive upper body challenge that also demands significant core stability throughout the entire movement sequence. The stabilizing effects reach beyond just the primary movers, engaging the rotational muscles of the core, rhomboids, and even the lower body as you maintain a rigid plank position. Athletes across various disciplines incorporate this exercise into their regimens for different purposes. HIIT enthusiasts appreciate its cardiovascular demands when performed with pace, while CrossFit athletes value its functional strength carryover to more complex movements. Bodybuilders might employ slower, more controlled variations to maximize time under tension for muscle hypertrophy. From a strength development perspective, the Push-Up to Renegade Row builds balanced upper body power while addressing common weaknesses in core anti-rotation capabilities. This makes it particularly valuable for athletes seeking to improve performance while reducing injury risk. The unilateral component of the row helps identify and correct strength imbalances between sides. Research suggests that multi-planar exercises like this one promote greater neuromuscular coordination than single-plane movements alone, potentially enhancing overall athletic performance. The intensity can be easily modified through weight selection, rep schemes, and tempo manipulation, making it adaptable to various fitness levels despite its intermediate classification. Whether you're looking to build functional strength, enhance muscle definition, or improve athletic performance, the Push-Up to Renegade Row deserves consideration as a time-efficient addition to your training arsenal.

Strength
HIIT
Crossfit
+1
Dumbbell