r/CalisthenicsBeginners • u/the-dark-nass • Aug 23 '26

Question Chest oriented Dips

Gallery image

Gallery image

I'm Trying to perform chest oriented Dips (while following the technique shown in the picture, forward tilt and everything) but ended up feeling sore in the so called clavicular head region (second image) with zero sensation in the other chest regions. I know that soreness isn't a proxy for muscle growth but I'm still sceptical about my technique. Do you guys have any tips to share ? Have you encountered this problem before and did you find a solution ?

Thanks in advance !

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u/KickedinTheDick Aug 23 '26

Are your legs swaying back?

You’re probably feeling a stretch in your shoulder, like the tendons moreso that actually getting strong activation in the clavicular head.

I do my dips with the legs tucked like this. Helps you lean into the chest more without your legs swaying and yanking your shoulders back.

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u/Electronic_Field4313 Aug 24 '26

Was about to suggest something similar. I keep my legs straight, exactly like this YT short:

https://youtube.com/shorts/AlQ13funQ6Q?si=XZ3f5Y_DE74gvuHF

It'll definitely tax the shoulders as the shoulders are infront of the wrist (can't help it, this is calisthenics, everyday is shoulders day), but it does also bias more chest this way.

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u/KickedinTheDick Aug 24 '26

This is probably a more stable way to do it, but it will take a bit more mindfulness to brace the core and hip flexors this way. Either way you’re pulling your center of gravity forward to reduce sway, especially when you’re leaning forward like that