Exercise guide
Dip On Floor With Chair
- Beginner
- Compound
- Rep-based
- Back
- Chest
- Shoulders
- Upper arms
- Waist
This beginner-friendly compound movement targets the triceps, chest, and front deltoids by using a chair to elevate the upper body. It builds foundational pushing strength and shoulder stability while allowing for adjustable resistance based on leg positioning.
Reviewed by the Crucible team · Updated June 2026
Muscles worked
Setup
- Sit on the floor with your back facing a stable chair or bench.
- Place your palms on the edge of the seat, shoulder-width apart, with fingers facing forward.
- Bend your knees at a 90-degree angle and place your feet flat on the floor.
- Lift your glutes slightly off the floor to reach the starting position with arms fully extended.
How to do it
- Inhale as you slowly lower your hips toward the floor by bending your elbows until they reach approximately a 90-degree angle.
- Keep your back close to the chair throughout the descent to maintain vertical alignment.
- Exhale as you push through your palms to straighten your arms and return to the starting position.
- Maintain a controlled tempo, taking two seconds to lower and two seconds to rise.
Form checklist
- Keep your elbows pointing directly backward rather than flaring out to the sides.
- Maintain a proud chest and keep your shoulders pulled down away from your ears.
- Ensure your back stays within an inch of the chair edge throughout the movement.
- Avoid locking your elbows aggressively at the top to maintain tension on the muscles.
Pro tips
- Focus on the mind-muscle connection by consciously squeezing your triceps at the top of the rep.
- Drive through the heels of your palms to maximize pectoral and tricep engagement.
Make it harder
- Straighten your legs out in front of you with only your heels touching the floor to increase the load on your arms.
- Elevate your feet on a second chair or a small stool to shift more body weight onto the upper body.
Frequently asked
- What muscles does the dip on floor with chair work?
- The dip on floor with chair primarily targets the triceps, and also works the abs and obliques as secondary muscles.
- What equipment do you need for the dip on floor with chair?
- The dip on floor with chair requires no equipment — just your body weight.
- Is the dip on floor with chair good for beginners?
- Yes. The dip on floor with chair is a beginner-friendly movement and a strong foundation to build on.