Exercise guide · Beginner · Compound

Assisted Wide-Grip Chest Dip (Kneeling): How to Do It & Muscles Worked

The assisted wide-grip chest dip (kneeling) is a machine-based exercise targeting the pectorals, with secondary emphasis on the triceps and shoulders. The assistance from the machine makes it accessible for those who may not yet have the strength for unassisted dips.

Primary muscles
Chest
Secondary muscles
Shoulders , Triceps
Equipment
Leverage Machine
Level · type
Beginner · Compound
Demonstration of the assisted wide-grip chest dip (kneeling)
Front view: muscles worked by the assisted wide-grip chest dip (kneeling). Primary: chest. Secondary: shoulders and triceps.
Back view: muscles worked by the assisted wide-grip chest dip (kneeling). Primary: chest. Secondary: shoulders and triceps.
Primary Secondary

How to do the assisted wide-grip chest dip (kneeling)

  1. Step 1: Adjust the machine to your desired height and secure your knees on the pad.
  2. Step 2: Grasp the handles with a wide grip and keep your elbows slightly bent.
  3. Step 3: Lower your body by bending your elbows until your upper arms are parallel to the floor.
  4. Step 4: Push yourself back up to the starting position by extending your arms.
  5. Step 5: Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

Sets, reps and programming

Suggested sets, reps and rest for the assisted wide-grip chest dip (kneeling) by training goal
Goal Sets Reps Rest Effort
Strength 3–5 3–6 3–5 min 1–3 reps in reserve
Muscle growth 3–4 6–12 2–3 min 1–2 reps in reserve
Muscular endurance 2–3 12–20 1–2 min 1–3 reps in reserve

Ranges follow the ACSM position stand on progression in resistance training. Muscle grows across a wide range of loads when sets end close to failure (Schoenfeld et al., 2017), longer rests between heavy sets support strength and size (Schoenfeld et al., 2016), and stopping a rep or two short of failure works about as well as training to failure (Grgic et al., 2022). Estimate your working weights with the strength calculators.

Assisted Wide-Grip Chest Dip (Kneeling) alternatives

More exercises that train the chest as their main target:

More chest exercises

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Sources

  1. American College of Sports Medicine. Progression models in resistance training for healthy adults. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2009;41(3):687-708.
  2. Schoenfeld BJ, Grgic J, Ogborn D, Krieger JW. Strength and hypertrophy adaptations between low- vs. high-load resistance training. J Strength Cond Res. 2017;31(12):3508-3523.
  3. Schoenfeld BJ, Pope ZK, Benik FM, et al. Longer interset rest periods enhance muscle strength and hypertrophy in resistance-trained men. J Strength Cond Res. 2016;30(7):1805-1812.
  4. Grgic J, Schoenfeld BJ, Orazem J, Sabol F. Effects of resistance training performed to repetition failure or non-failure on muscular strength and hypertrophy: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Sport Health Sci. 2022;11(2):202-211.

Step-by-step instructions and demonstration media are from the ExerciseDB exercise dataset.

This guide is general fitness information, not medical advice. Stop if an exercise causes pain and speak to a doctor or physiotherapist about injuries or health conditions before starting a new programme.