More thoughts concerning the dip

We use the term 'Gymnastics' to talk about all exercises that involve manipulation of our own bodyweight...there isn't an external object that needs to be controlled or moved. Squats, Lunges, Back Extensions, and pullups all fall into this category.

So do pushups.

If we take the ordinary pushup and rotate the body so it is no longer parallel to the floor but instead perpendicular with the head above the feet, we have a dip position. If we take the pushup and rotate the body perpendicular again, but this time have the feet over the head, we have a handstand pushup position. Ideally we want capacity across all 180 degrees. The pushup is indeed a versatile tool!

Some tips for your dips:

When just starting out, approach these the same way you would pullups:

-Negatives to build strength when the volume is moderately low.
-Jumping Dips when the volume is high and the exercise is in the middle of a hideous met-con monster.
-Make sure you get proper depth to insure the development of the full range of the exercise...shoulders below the elbows and arms straight at the top.
-Keep the elbows pointing backwards and the shoulders pulled back. This places the shoulder in a much nicer position with far less internal rotation of the humerus.

When was the last time you took a dip?
-Boz

This is taken from san francisco crossfit, written by adrian bozman.

An additional thought of mine is that i've never thought of doing major reps with the dip and i've never put much value to them. but i can't do nearly as many dips as i can do regular pushups and it's made me realize that that i have an out of balance here. i think this is an opportunity to really strenghten something that i would have never thought of strengthening. I wonder if i could crank out 50 by the end of the month, right now i might be able to squeeze out 25. I also think that this will help with the pullup, muscle ups, and provide core strength needed for a solid ohs and front squat.