About dips

[christianx]

Hi. I am a new member from Sweden (yep, NROL can be bought here too) with a question I am hoping someone will shed some light upon.

The thing is that I get shoulder issues doing dips with the body leaning forward. But if I do regular triceps dips (body in a up right position and elbows close to the body) there is no pain or discomfort.

The question then is if the triceps dips are too triceps heavy compared to the "chest tricpes" style? Should I substitute or just go with the triceps dips?

[Lisa~]

Dips can be hard on the shoulders, so I'd recommend using a substitute exercise that addreses the intent of the program but does not aggrevate existing shoulder problems.

[Cynic]

Originally Posted by Lisa~

Dips can be hard on the shoulders, so I'd recommend using a substitute exercise that addreses the intent of the program but does not aggrevate existing shoulder problems.

Could this be a case where decline bench presses may sub in?

[christianx]

But if doing dips in an upright style cause no harm can´t I keep doing them? Or don´t they target the chest area enough to be regarded as a chest exercise?

[JoshDunn]

Both movements will target both the triceps and pecs. Do whatever is comfortable...however, I would go to a physio (or similar) and get your shoulders looked at. Remember pain is not normal it is a signal that something is wrong. Better to get that addressed now.

[christianx]

Originally Posted by JoshDunn

Both movements will target both the triceps and pecs. Do whatever is comfortable...however, I would go to a physio (or similar) and get your shoulders looked at. Remember pain is not normal it is a signal that something is wrong. Better to get that addressed now.

Thanks. I needed to hear that it is effective for the pecs as well, because it is a truly great exercise...and the dips bar is never crowded since everyone is standing around the cable machines... :-)

Anyway, I feel no pain whatsoever in my shoulder while doing the dips triceps style. I guess there is something about the leaning forward part that makes my left shoulder cave in (I also get the same pain while doing the flat bench press with a barbell, so I have skipped that one).

[JoshDunn]

I'd seriously suggest that you see someone and explain what movements hurt. Not so you can bench and feel like a big man but to correct any structural abnormality you may have in your shoulder.

Physio or physical therapy or whatever you can them should have you sorted out in no time.