How to do Dumbbell Bench Press
How to do it
- 1
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.
- 2
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.
- 3
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.
- 4
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.
- 5
Repeat the movement for the prescribed amount of repetitions of your training program.
This page is general information. If you have an injury, pain or a health condition, check with a professional before doing this exercise.
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Ready-made programs with this exercise
Gyms and trainers on GamGym can import these programs as their own templates and assign them to members.
- Workout program
Full Body 3 Days (Beginner)
For new or returning gym-goers. Every session covers legs, push, pull and core with different movements on each of the three days. Sessions take 45-60 minutes.
Muscle gain · Beginner · Gym · 3 days a week · 8 weeks
- Workout program
Power + Hypertrophy 5 Days
Two heavy power days (upper, lower) plus three body-part volume days. Each muscle is hit twice a week, once heavy and once for volume. For experienced members with five days available and good recovery.
Muscle gain · Advanced · Gym · 5 days a week · 12 weeks
- Workout program
Metabolic Circuit 3 Days
Each day is a six-station circuit with short transitions and 90 seconds between rounds. Heart rate stays high while muscle is maintained. Pair with a calorie deficit for fat loss. Sessions take 35-45 minutes.
Fat loss · Intermediate · Gym · 3 days a week · 6 weeks
- Workout program
Hybrid Cardio + Strength 4 Days
Two full-body strength days, one interval day and one long steady cardio day. Builds conditioning and endurance without losing muscle. Also fits members preparing for runs or hiking events.
Endurance · Beginner · Gym · 4 days a week · 8 weeks
