Dumbbell Bench Press

A fundamental chest exercise using dumbbells that allows for greater range of motion than barbell variations. This movement effectively builds chest mass and strength while improving shoulder stability.

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Category: strength
Level: beginner
Force: push
Mechanic: compound
Equipment: dumbbell

Instructions

Lie down on a flat bench with a dumbbell in each hand resting on top of your thighs. The palms of your hands will be facing each other.
Then, using your thighs to help raise the dumbbells up, lift the dumbbells one at a time so that you can hold them in front of you at shoulder width.
Once at shoulder width, rotate your wrists forward so that the palms of your hands are facing away from you. The dumbbells should be just to the sides of your chest, with your upper arm and forearm creating a 90 degree angle. Be sure to maintain full control of the dumbbells at all times. This will be your starting position.
Then, as you breathe out, use your chest to push the dumbbells up. Lock your arms at the top of the lift and squeeze your chest, hold for a second and then begin coming down slowly. Tip: Ideally, lowering the weight should take about twice as long as raising it.
Repeat the movement for the prescribed amount of repetitions of your training program.

Tips

Lower the weights until you feel a stretch in your chest
Press the dumbbells up and slightly inward
Keep your feet flat on the floor for stability
Maintain natural arch in your lower back

Common mistakes

Pressing dumbbells straight up instead of slightly inward
Bouncing weights off the chest
Not maintaining control during the eccentric phase

Safety

Use a spotter when lifting heavy weights. Ensure dumbbells are secure in your grip and avoid letting them drift too far outside shoulder width.

Variations

Single Arm Dumbbell Chest Press
Machine Chest Press
Standing Cable Chest Press
Arnold Dumbbell Press