Bench Press (Dumbbell)

Level
beginner
Force
push
Mechanic
compound
Equipment
dumbbell
Category
strength
Primary Muscles
Secondary Muscles
Bench Press (Dumbbell)Bench Press (Dumbbell)

A chest pressing movement performed with dumbbells while lying on a flat bench, allowing for a greater range of motion than barbell pressing.

Instructions

  1. Lie on a flat bench with a dumbbell in each hand resting on your thighs.
  2. Using your thighs for assistance, lift the dumbbells and position them at shoulder width.
  3. Rotate your wrists forward so your palms face away from you, with dumbbells to the sides of your chest.
  4. Ensure your upper arm and forearm form approximately a 90-degree angle at the start.
  5. Press the dumbbells upward, extending your arms fully while maintaining control.
  6. Lock your arms at the top and squeeze your chest, then lower the dumbbells back to shoulder height under control.
  7. Repeat for the prescribed number of repetitions.

Tips

  • Maintain full control of the dumbbells throughout the movement; avoid dropping them.
  • Lower the dumbbells slowly, taking approximately twice as long to descend as to press up.
  • Keep your feet flat on the floor and your back and shoulders pressed against the bench.
  • Use a controlled tempo to maximize chest engagement and reduce joint stress.

Recommended starting values

Sensible novice starting points for each goal, for a lifter aged 25–40. Scale down for smaller frames or older lifters. Treat the first set of any session as a discovery set.

Goal Sets Reps Weight
Male Female
Gain strength 3 7 reps 11 kg 6 kg
Build muscle 3 10 reps 10 kg 6 kg
Build endurance 3 14 reps 8 kg 4 kg

Alternatives

Exercises that target the same muscles with the same force and mechanic.

beginner strength
Bench Press - Medium Grip (Barbell)

Bench Press - Medium Grip (Barbell)

Learn more about bench press - medium grip (barbell)
beginner strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
Bench Press with Neutral Grip (Dumbbell)

Bench Press with Neutral Grip (Dumbbell)

Learn more about bench press with neutral grip (dumbbell)
beginner strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength

Chest Press (TRX / Suspension Trainer)

Learn more about chest press (trx / suspension trainer)
beginner strength
beginner strength

Chest Press Inside Grip (TRX / Suspension Trainer)

Learn more about chest press inside grip (trx / suspension trainer)
intermediate strength

Chest Press Single Arm (TRX / Suspension Trainer)

Learn more about chest press single arm (trx / suspension trainer)
intermediate strength

Chest Press Single Leg (TRX / Suspension Trainer)

Learn more about chest press single leg (trx / suspension trainer)
expert strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
Extended Range One-Arm Kettlebell Floor Press

Extended Range One-Arm Kettlebell Floor Press

Learn more about extended range one-arm kettlebell floor press
beginner strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength

Hinge to Chest Press (TRX / Suspension Trainer)

Learn more about hinge to chest press (trx / suspension trainer)
intermediate strength
Incline Bench Press - Medium Grip (Barbell)

Incline Bench Press - Medium Grip (Barbell)

Learn more about incline bench press - medium grip (barbell)
beginner strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
Incline Bench Press (Smith Machine)

Incline Bench Press (Smith Machine)

Learn more about incline bench press (smith machine)
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength

Low Chest Press (TRX / Suspension Trainer)

Learn more about low chest press (trx / suspension trainer)
intermediate strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
Push-Ups With Feet On An Exercise Ball

Push-Ups With Feet On An Exercise Ball

Learn more about push-ups with feet on an exercise ball
intermediate strength
Pushups (Close and Wide Hand Positions)

Pushups (Close and Wide Hand Positions)

Learn more about pushups (close and wide hand positions)
beginner strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength

Stability Ball Dumbbell Chest Press

Learn more about stability ball dumbbell chest press
intermediate strength
intermediate strength

Standing Decline Chest Press (Cable)

Learn more about standing decline chest press (cable)
intermediate strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
Wide-Grip Decline Barbell Bench Press

Wide-Grip Decline Barbell Bench Press

Learn more about wide-grip decline barbell bench press
intermediate strength