Scapular Dips - How to Perform, Muscles, Variants | SatisFIT Skip to main content

Scapular Dips

Step by step instructions, muscle activation and variants for the Scapular Dips.

EasyTrapezius

About this exercise

An isolation exercise performed on parallel bars that trains scapular depression and retraction without bending the elbows. Scapula dips strengthen the lower trapezius and serratus anterior and serve as an important foundation for dip and pushing movements.

How to Perform

  • Grip the parallel bars and support your body with arms fully extended
  • Keep your elbows locked straight throughout the entire movement
  • Allow your shoulders to rise passively toward your ears by relaxing the shoulder girdle
  • Depress your shoulder blades by actively pushing the bars down, raising your body upward
  • Hold the top position briefly, feeling the muscles between and below the shoulder blades engage
  • Slowly allow the shoulders to rise again to the starting position
  • Repeat for the desired number of reps

Muscle Activation

Primary
Trapezius
Secondary
Middle chest

Common Mistakes

Common mistakes content is coming soon.

About the Scapular Dips

The Scapular Dips is a foundational movement that builds strength and muscle through controlled, progressive overload. Train it 1 to 2 times per week with 3 to 5 working sets per session, gradually adding weight or reps as form holds up.