TETSU

Bench Dip On Floor vs Weighted Tricep Dips

The Bench Dip On Floor and the Weighted Tricep Dips both train the triceps as their primary muscle. The Bench Dip On Floor is bodyweight-based (a bar, rings or a station) while the Weighted Tricep Dips add external weight to a bodyweight pattern. Here is how they compare and when to pick each.

Head to head

Side-by-side comparison

Bench Dip On FloorWeighted Tricep Dips
Primary muscletricepstriceps
Body partupper armsupper arms
Supporting muscleschest and shoulderschest and shoulders
Equipmentbodyweightadded weight
Steps in our guide56
Setup

How each one starts

Bench Dip On Floor — first steps

  1. Sit on the edge of a bench or chair with your hands gripping the edge, fingers pointing forward.
  2. Slide your butt off the bench, supporting your weight with your hands.

Weighted Tricep Dips — first steps

  1. Sit on the edge of a bench or chair with your hands gripping the edge next to your hips.
  2. Slide your butt off the front of the bench with your legs extended in front of you.

Full step-by-step guides are linked below.

Decision

Which should you choose?

The Bench Dip On Floor needs only a sturdy bar, rings or a station and scales through leverage, tempo and reps. The Weighted Tricep Dips add external load to a bodyweight pattern for direct overload. 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.

Guides

Full form guides

Answers

Common questions

Is the Bench Dip On Floor better than the Weighted Tricep Dips?

Neither is universally better — both train the triceps as the primary mover. The Bench Dip On Floor needs only a sturdy bar, rings or a station and scales through leverage, tempo and reps, while the Weighted Tricep Dips add external load to a bodyweight pattern for direct overload. Choose based on your equipment and which movement you can progress consistently.

Can I do both the Bench Dip On Floor and the Weighted Tricep 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 Bench Dip On Floor and the Weighted Tricep 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.