TETSUAdvanced Dips vs Narrow Push-Up On Exercise Ball
The Advanced Dips and the Narrow Push-Up On Exercise Ball both train the triceps as their primary muscle. The Advanced Dips are bodyweight-based (a bar, rings or a station) while the Narrow Push-Up On Exercise Ball uses a stability ball. Here is how they compare and when to pick each.
Side-by-side comparison
| Advanced Dips | Narrow Push-Up On Exercise Ball | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary muscle | triceps | triceps |
| Body part | upper arms | upper arms |
| Supporting muscles | chest and shoulders | chest and shoulders |
| Equipment | bodyweight | stability ball |
| Steps in our guide | 5 | 5 |
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.
Narrow Push-Up On Exercise Ball — first steps
- Place the stability ball on the ground and position yourself in a push-up position with your hands on the ball, slightly narrower than shoulder-width apart.
- Engage your core and keep your body in a straight line from head to toe.
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 Narrow Push-Up On Exercise Ball adds an unstable surface that raises core demand. 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 Narrow Push-Up On Exercise Ball?
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 Narrow Push-Up On Exercise Ball adds an unstable surface that raises core demand. Choose based on your equipment and which movement you can progress consistently.
Can I do both the Advanced Dips and the Narrow Push-Up On Exercise Ball 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 Narrow Push-Up On Exercise Ball work the same muscles?
Yes — the primary muscle is the same (triceps) and both rely on the same supporting muscles: chest and shoulders.
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.