• FreeTrainers.com Forums
• Beginners to Exercise
• Dips behind the back

Group: Beginners to Exercise

Dips behind the back

Alorle Posts: 196 Joined: 2001/10/07	2001/10/16, 11:46 PM Okay, so on my exercise program it says I am to do 20 or so dips behind the back, then 16, 15, 14 or something like that. My problem, or course, is that I doubt I can do more than 1 or 2. So, should I skip the exercise and try to sub it with something else, or should I do the 1 or 2, and gradually build up to more?
ThunderMan Posts: 35 Joined: 2001/09/21	2001/10/17, 12:43 AM Well, to tell you the truth. You should not skip any exercise, even if you cannot do as many sets or reps as it asks. Yes go ahead and do as many as you can but make sure you get as much benefit from it as you can. By flexing your muscles and breathing right. Good Luck!!!
micheleg77 Posts: 11 Joined: 2001/09/25	2001/10/17, 08:40 AM I have the same problem with this exercise. I just do as many as I can (until my arms are shaking). I'm hoping that as I lose weight, these dips will get easier. My arms just can't lift all this weight!
coolness Posts: 338 Joined: 2001/05/23	2001/10/17, 07:07 PM Good advice Thunder. When I started doing dips I thought my arms would fall off. Concentration (mind over matter!!), correct breathing and flexing always help. Look straight ahead, not at your arms. You will eventually build strength through other exercises that will help also. Don't give up!! Lift hard!! :) coolness...
Alorle Posts: 196 Joined: 2001/10/07	2001/10/19, 10:04 PM I may have found a compromise! There is a dip machine at my gym! I can set it to whatever weight I can do, then gradually build up! Maybe I'll still do what I can manually, then work on reps with the machine. Thanks for the advice!
coolness Posts: 338 Joined: 2001/05/23	2001/10/20, 09:24 PM No problem. After a few months you will be amazed at your progress. Lift hard!! :) coolness...
ThunderMan Posts: 35 Joined: 2001/09/21	2001/10/21, 11:13 PM Good thinking. This is obviously going to help but make sure you do not rely too much on this machine. Try to do most of your reps on your own. Good Luck!!!
coolness Posts: 338 Joined: 2001/05/23	2001/10/27, 11:14 PM alorle, My wife completed 7,5, and 2 dips tonight for the first time. She said it was agony but she'll try them again next week. Like I said before, as you get stronger it'll become easier. Keep lifting!! coolness...
Philia2 Posts: 4,078 Joined: 2001/10/19	2001/10/30, 01:09 PM When getting stronger try the dips behind the back with legs high on a bench in front of you. When this one get easy too, then put some weights on your thighs too.
m.winter Posts: 1 Joined: 2004/06/21	2004/06/21, 02:57 PM im not sure how to do the excersises in my fitness plan dips behind the back?, home squats?, side laterals?, can curls?, calf raises? where can i find a how too on these excersises?
yadmit Posts: 4,670 Joined: 2003/10/05	2004/06/21, 02:58 PM There should be pictures with the descriptions... just click on the exercise in your plan and it'll take you to the pix and description... Welcome to FT! t -------------- Tim I count him braver who overcomes his desires than him who conquers his enemies, for the hardest victory is over self. - Aristotle You have the power to change a life right in your own hands. - Paul Brandt
getsumbaby Posts: 1 Joined: 2006/01/16	2006/01/16, 12:51 PM ok - im new here and have a question about this exersize. In the description #3 says: 'Dip' down until your arms form a 90 degree angle and you feel a stretch. Pause. And #4 says: Pause and contract your triceps muscles at the top. What is the difference of stretch and contract? By the way - this is a bad-ass web site!! Lots of information. Ed
wrestler125 Posts: 4,619 Joined: 2004/01/27	2006/01/17, 12:32 PM When contracting, your muscles are shortening, meaning you are moving back up against the resistance. Stretching is a form of reflex. All it means is that you should go down to the point where your triceps/chest feel tight. -------------- Pain is only temporary, it is in your mind. If you can still walk, then you can still run. ============ Quoting from 7707mutt: The squat cage is holy ground. ============
pumpsterr Posts: 17 Joined: 2006/01/21	2006/01/21, 10:52 PM Do easier approximations like bench dips or tricep pushdowns on the lat machine. Women have less upper body strength so it'll be tough for a while until the body aclimates.
Mojo_67 Posts: 1,299 Joined: 2003/09/23	2006/01/23, 06:55 AM My opinion is stick to the routine and do what it says. Dips and wide grip chins killed me but I was able to do more every week. That pretty much says it all. Just don't over do it. -------------- Seize the day!