TETSUAdvanced Dips vs Cable Triceps Pushdown (V-Bar)
The Advanced Dips and the Cable Triceps Pushdown (V-Bar) both train the triceps as their primary muscle. The Advanced Dips are bodyweight-based (a bar, rings or a station) while the Cable Triceps Pushdown (V-Bar) uses a cable. Here is how they compare and when to pick each.
Side-by-side comparison
| Advanced Dips | Cable Triceps Pushdown (V-Bar) | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary muscle | triceps | triceps |
| Body part | upper arms | upper arms |
| Supporting muscles | chest and shoulders | forearms |
| Equipment | bodyweight | cable |
| Steps in our guide | 5 | 8 |
How each one starts
Advanced Dips — first steps
- Position yourself between two parallel bars with your arms fully extended and your body suspended in the air.
- Bend your knees and cross your ankles.
Cable Triceps Pushdown (V-Bar) — first steps
- Attach a v-bar attachment to the cable machine at the highest setting.
- Stand facing the cable machine with your feet shoulder-width apart.
Full step-by-step guides are linked below.
Which should you choose?
The Advanced Dips need only a sturdy bar, rings or a station and scale through leverage, tempo and reps. The Cable Triceps Pushdown (V-Bar) keeps constant tension on the muscle through the whole range of motion. If your gym has both options, neither is a wrong choice: pick the one that feels strongest through a full range, and swap after 6 to 8 weeks to keep the triceps adapting.
Full form guides
Common questions
Are the Advanced Dips better than the Cable Triceps Pushdown (V-Bar)?
Neither is universally better — both train the triceps as the primary mover. The Advanced Dips need only a sturdy bar, rings or a station and scale through leverage, tempo and reps, while the Cable Triceps Pushdown (V-Bar) keeps constant tension on the muscle through the whole range of motion. Choose based on your equipment and which movement you can progress consistently.
Can I do both the Advanced Dips and the Cable Triceps Pushdown (V-Bar) in the same program?
Yes, but usually not in the same session — they overlap heavily on the triceps. A common setup is one as your main movement and the other on a second training day, or alternating them block by block.
Do the Advanced Dips and the Cable Triceps Pushdown (V-Bar) work the same muscles?
The primary muscle is the same: the triceps. Supporting muscles differ slightly — chest and shoulders for the Advanced Dips versus forearms for the Cable Triceps Pushdown (V-Bar).
Track it in Tetsu
Tetsu tracks both movements separately, keeps your PRs per exercise, and tells you which one is actually progressing. Free to start.