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