Using too much assistance — barely working
Excessive counterweight means the muscle is doing almost no work.
Overactive muscles
Upper trapeziusPec minor
Corrective work
Foam RollPectorals↗StretchDoorway pec stretch↗Push · Upper Body
Assisted Dip / Chin-Up Machine
Coaching cues
- Set the assistance weight — more weight equals more help
- For dips: upright torso for tricep focus; lean forward for chest focus
- For chin-ups: full hang to start; drive elbows down to pull chest to bar
- Lower under control every rep — the assisted eccentric still builds strength
Common faults 2
Shoulders shrug at the top of the chin-up
Upper traps dominate at the top instead of lats contracting fully.
Overactive muscles
Upper trapeziusLevator scapulae
Corrective work
Foam RollUpper traps↗StretchLevator scapulae stretch↗