How do I do dips when I work out?

If you don't have access to a dip bar, place two chairs far enough apart to rest your heels on one, the palms of your hands on the other, with hands just behind your hips. Lower yourself slowly until your elbows are as close to 90 degrees as possible.

1. Set up chairs

   Get two sturdy table chairs, and set them up about 3 to 4 feet apart, depending on your leg length. If stability of chairs is in question, place one against the wall.

2. Position yourself on chairs

   Sit on the front edge of one chair (the one against the wall if applicable) and place your palms on the seat, nearly under your posterior. Place your legs, one at a time, on the adjacent chair. Slowly scoot your body forward so that you are no longer sitting on the chair.

3. Perform the exercise

   The key to doing dips properly is to control your movement. Slowly lower your body to the point that the backs of your arms are nearly parallel to the ground, with your elbows forming 90-degree angles. Perform every repetition slowly.

4. Dismount from the chairs

   To dismount from the chairs safely, sit back onto the chair at the top of your movement, and take your feet off the other chair one foot at a time.