dips...weighted???

[rocko]

Mark,
I've been using this exercise as an assistance. I asked you before if eventually,once I got strong on it, I could use it as a main lift, you said sure.
My question is, I'm doing now 3 sets of 10 w/bodyweigth. Would this be a good time to start adding some weight? Also, if so, what would be a good rep range to start adding weight? 3 sets of 5 across? Thanks again.

[Mark Rippetoe]

Three sets of 10 unweighted dips is not strong. I can do 25+ and I haven't benched in years. I'd stay with the program, if it were me.

[shizz702]

Weighted dips are an excellent exercise, and one of my personal favorites. I think once you can do a set of 20 reps bodyweight it would be a good time to start adding weight. If you are doing the novice program though I think it would be best to just focus on getting strong on the bench press for now. Once you decide to start adding weight start with 10 lbs, choose a rep range that suits you, 3x5 would be fine, and add 5 lbs every workout.

[matrick]

Three sets of 10 unweighted dips is not strong. I can do 25+ and I haven't benched in years. I'd stay with the program, if it were me.

Coach,

How come you haven't benched in so long?

[rocko]

OK Mark, I will take your advice and stick to the program. So let me rephrase my question. Doing dips as an assitance exercise, at what point do I do them weigthed and what rep range do I use? In your books you suggest doing weighted chinups once 10-15 resp are possible on the top set. Then you suggest alternating weigthed chinups in the 5-7 rep range with unweighted chinups to failure for best results. Would this apply to dips?
Thanks again.

[Teebags]

Mark,
I've been using this exercise as an assistance. I asked you before if eventually,once I got strong on it, I could use it as a main lift, you said sure.
My question is, I'm doing now 3 sets of 10 w/bodyweigth. Would this be a good time to start adding some weight? Also, if so, what would be a good rep range to start adding weight? 3 sets of 5 across? Thanks again.

Yeah as Mark said, not yet, however try doing them slower to increase the intensity. Try starting out by making the lowering phase a 5 sec. count. I do around 3 sets at 20 reps but I've incorporated this method and it's helped me alot. Great for strength and muscular endurance.

[Mark Rippetoe]

Rocko, the same advice would apply to dips. And I haven't benched in years due to a rotator cuff tear that is aggravated by the movement. I'm fine if I press, chin, and occasionally dip, but I can't sleep if I bench, and I'm not going to have surgery to fix it.