Questions about the Dips machine

[SVB99]

Alright guys, in order to having a more complete chest workout, I plan on implementing some weighted dips in my chest routine. Here's the embarassing part. I'm not really sure how to use the machine. Don't laugh at me either guys! What am I suppose to do with that weight stack att he bottom and what's its purpose? How do I add weights to myself? Just tie weights to a squat belt or what? Also, is it a very beneficial exercise?
Thanks,
Sam

 

[Mudge]

Sounds like a machine that has a belt attached too it? You put it around your waist, and attach to a chain, rather awkward. Ask the person for the belt if you don't see it behind the machine or something.

 

[SVB99]

Yeah, but what am I suppose to do with that weight stack? Just put my knees on it and it goes down or something? It's combo dips and chin ups machine so is that weight stack for the chin-ups instead? How far should I go down on the dips?

 

[SVB99]

I ask all this because obviously, I've never used it.

 

[Mudge]

Usually there is a pin at the bottom if its a pullup also machine. However it sounds like an ASSISTED machine that you put your knees on for pullups, and put the ASSIST part DOWN with the pin in to to dips which means NO weight stack for dips.

 

[seyone]

your best bet would be to ask sombody at the gym or wait until sombody uses it and watch how they do it. I personally would just use dip bars with 45's around my waist.

 

[Mudge]

From what you describe I'm pretty sure there is no belt attachment, but I could be wrong. OR just ask the front desk "do you have a dip station with a weight stack and belt"? or something...

 

[Burner02]

Yeah, you are describing the cybex ASSISTED machine.
There is a belt I use at my gym witha chain on it so I can do weighted dips. I've never paid that much attention to see if it is an actual 'dip' belt or converted belt.
http://www.performbetter.com/catalog/dept.asp?dept_id=155&mscssid=ECGMPBL3QNSR2K500022B3NG9DKDCNA5

it is midway through the page. Looks nice...

 

[Brad224]

If it's anything like the machine at my gym that weight stack is to assist you. In other words - it's like making your own weight much lighter, all the way up to no weight at all - the more weight you use, the easier the dip will be. And if you are wanting to do weighted dips you won't use the stack at all. I take the pin out and push the knee thing all the way to the floor and let it sit there.

To do weighted dips I bought a weight belt, a carabiner (like rock climbers use) and got a small chain from the garage, about 3 or 4 feet long. I loop the chain between myself and the belt, put the plate on and fasten the two ends of the chain with the carabiner and I have a weighted belt. I think you can buy them ready-made, but they are much more expensive. The belt I've got set up works great for me.

You can also use it to do weighted pull-ups.

 

[Arnold]

http://exrx.net/WeightExercises/PectoralSternal/WtChestDip.html

 

[Fit Freak]

Great post Brad.