The Dumbbell Bench Press

This variation of the barbell bench press is an excellent weight lifting exercise for pecs. If you find you are going stale on the bench press, try using the dumbbell bench press, you’ll be surprised at the results.

Position for the dumbbell bench press

1. While seated on the edge of a flat bench, grasp two dumbbells in an overhand grip.

2. Rest the dumbbells in an upright position on the edge of your knees. Carefully lie on the flat bench bringing the dumbbells to the sides of your torso at chest level. Make sure to bring the dumbbells up simultaneously. Feet should be planted firmly on the floor.

3. Slowly adjust the dumbbells with your arms fully extended at right angles to the floor. Press the weight up to the locked position. The dumbbells should be held directly over your chest area, slightly touching each other with palms facing forward.

Execution of the dumbbell bench press

1. Slowly bend your arms and lower both dumbbells in a slow, controlled fashion to your chest. The dumbbells should be at the sides of your chest.

2. Slowly press the weight back up from the sides of your chest to the starting position. Do not bounce the weight from the chest. Keep you elbows out and away from the trunk of your body.

To view a quick instructional video for the dumbbell bench press, click here.