Chair dips
Elbows point back, lower to 90°.
Muscles worked · Primary
Triceps
Secondary
ChestFront delts
Equipment
No equipment
Updated: September 26, 2026
How to do it, step by step
- Sit on the edge of a stable chair with your hands next to your hips.
- Slide your hips off the seat with your knees bent.
- Lower by bending your elbows straight back to about 90°.
- Press through your palms to rise. Straighten your legs to make it harder.
Common mistakes
- Flaring your elbows out.
- Going deeper than 90°, which stresses the shoulders.
- Drifting too far from the chair.
Sets and reps for your goal
| Goal | Sets | Reps | Rest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lose fat | 3 | 12–15 | 45 s |
| Build muscle | 4 | 8–12 | 90 s |
| Tone up | 3 | 10–15 | 60 s |
| Get fit | 3 | 10–12 | 60 s |
Related exercises
A plan with Chair dips, built for you
Answer 11 questions and get a weekly plan with sets, rest times and calories designed around you.
Create my free planThis guide is general information. Stop if you feel pain, dizziness or shortness of breath. Talk to a healthcare professional before starting, especially if you have an injury or a medical condition.