TETSUBarbell Reverse Close-Grip Bench Press vs Elbow Dips
The Barbell Reverse Close-Grip Bench Press and the Elbow Dips both train the triceps as their primary muscle. The Barbell Reverse Close-Grip Bench Press uses a barbell while the Elbow Dips are bodyweight-based (a bar, rings or a station). Here is how they compare and when to pick each.
Side-by-side comparison
| Barbell Reverse Close-Grip Bench Press | Elbow Dips | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary muscle | triceps | triceps |
| Body part | upper arms | upper arms |
| Supporting muscles | chest and shoulders | chest and shoulders |
| Equipment | barbell | bodyweight |
| Steps in our guide | 7 | 5 |
How each one starts
Barbell Reverse Close-Grip Bench Press — first steps
- Lie flat on a bench with your feet flat on the ground and your back pressed against the bench.
- Grasp the barbell with a reverse grip, hands shoulder-width apart.
Elbow Dips — first steps
- Sit on the edge of a bench or chair with your hands gripping the edge next to your hips.
- Slide your hips forward off the bench and straighten your legs, keeping your heels on the ground.
Full step-by-step guides are linked below.
Which should you choose?
The Barbell Reverse Close-Grip Bench Press lets you load the heaviest weights and progress in small, steady jumps. The Elbow Dips need only a sturdy bar, rings or a station and scale through leverage, tempo and reps. 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
Is the Barbell Reverse Close-Grip Bench Press better than the Elbow Dips?
Neither is universally better — both train the triceps as the primary mover. The Barbell Reverse Close-Grip Bench Press lets you load the heaviest weights and progress in small, steady jumps, while the Elbow Dips need only a sturdy bar, rings or a station and scale through leverage, tempo and reps. Choose based on your equipment and which movement you can progress consistently.
Can I do both the Barbell Reverse Close-Grip Bench Press and the Elbow Dips 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 Barbell Reverse Close-Grip Bench Press and the Elbow Dips 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.