How to Do Triceps Dips Exercise

The secret to great-looking arms is exercising the triceps. For the triceps dip you'll need something besides your own body weight and floor space. Fortunately, you have plenty of things around the house you can use for this exercise, as described below.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Find a sturdy dining room chair, a low bench or a wooden coffeetable that will hold your weight.
2. Sit on the furniture and place your hands on either side of your hips so your palms are resting on the furniture and your fingers are hanging over the edge. Place your feet together firmly on the floor, as far in front of you as possible.
3. Tighten your abdominal muscles to prevent injuring your back during the exercise. Carefully move your backside off the furniture, leaving your hands in place. Keep your back straight and your head up.
4. Slowly lower your hips as far as you're able, bending your elbows backward so your arms remain close to your sides. Then lift yourself up to the starting position, using your arms; take care not to push yourself up with your legs. Don't sit back down on the furniture.
5. Repeat the exercise, working in sets and resting briefly in between.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have two similar height pieces of furniture, arrange them so your arms are on one and your feet are resting on the other. This will prevent you from using your legs to "cheat" the exercise.
• Choose furniture that is solidly built and sitting on four legs. Avoid furniture that is likely to tip over or slide out from under you.