Bench Press with Neutral Grip (Dumbbell)

A chest pressing variation performed with a neutral grip (palms facing each other), which emphasizes triceps and reduces shoulder strain.
Instructions
- Take a dumbbell in each hand and lay back on a flat bench with feet flat on the floor.
- Retract your shoulder blades and press them against the bench for stability.
- Hold the dumbbells with a neutral grip, palms facing each other.
- Begin with your arms extended directly above you, perpendicular to the floor.
- Flex your elbows and lower the dumbbells to the sides of your torso.
- Descend until the dumbbells are approximately at chest level.
- Pause briefly, then extend your elbows and return to the starting position.
Tips
- Keep your shoulders packed and avoid excessive shoulder elevation during the press.
- Maintain a neutral wrist position throughout the movement to protect your wrists.
- Lower the dumbbells in a controlled manner to maximize muscle engagement.
- The neutral grip allows for a slightly different angle of chest engagement compared to standard grip.
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
beginner strength
intermediate strength
Bench Press (Barbell)
Learn more about bench press (barbell) beginner strength
beginner strength
Bench Press (Kettlebell)
Learn more about bench press (kettlebell) beginner strength
beginner strength
Bench Press with Chains (Barbell)
Learn more about bench press with chains (barbell) intermediate strength
intermediate strength
Chest Press (Band)
Learn more about chest press (band) beginner strength
beginner strength
Chest Press (Kettlebell)
Learn more about chest press (kettlebell) beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
Chest Press (Sled)
Learn more about chest press (sled) 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
Crush Grip Bench Press (Dumbbell)
Learn more about crush grip bench press (dumbbell) intermediate strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
Decline Chest Press (Band)
Learn more about decline chest press (band) intermediate strength
Decline Chest Press (Cable)
Learn more about decline chest press (cable) intermediate strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
Dips (Chest Focus)
Learn more about dips (chest focus) intermediate strength
Extended Range One-Arm Kettlebell Floor Press
Learn more about extended range one-arm kettlebell floor press beginner strength
Feet Up Bench Press (Barbell)
Learn more about feet up bench press (barbell) intermediate strength
Floor Press (Barbell)
Learn more about floor press (barbell) beginner strength
intermediate strength
Floor Press (Kettlebell)
Learn more about floor press (kettlebell) beginner strength
Floor Press (Trap Bar)
Learn more about floor press (trap bar) intermediate strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
Hex Press (Dumbbell)
Learn more about hex press (dumbbell) 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)
Learn more about incline bench press - medium grip (barbell) beginner strength
Incline Bench Press (Barbell)
Learn more about incline bench press (barbell) intermediate strength
Incline Bench Press (Dumbbell)
Learn more about incline bench press (dumbbell) intermediate strength
beginner strength
Incline Chest Press (Band)
Learn more about incline chest press (band) 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
Machine Chest Press (Wide Grip)
Learn more about machine chest press (wide grip) beginner strength
Machine Iso-Lateral Chest Press
Learn more about machine iso-lateral chest press beginner strength
Machine Iso-Lateral Incline Press
Learn more about machine iso-lateral incline press beginner strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
Pause Bench
Learn more about pause bench intermediate strength
Push Up (Kettlebell)
Learn more about push up (kettlebell) beginner strength
Push-Up (Weighted)
Learn more about push-up (weighted) intermediate strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
Reverse Grip Bench Press
Learn more about reverse grip bench press intermediate strength
Single Arm Chest Press (Band)
Learn more about single arm chest press (band) beginner strength
Single Arm Chest Press (Sled)
Learn more about single arm chest press (sled) intermediate strength
Squeeze Press (Dumbbell)
Learn more about squeeze press (dumbbell) 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
Tiger Bend Push-Up
Learn more about tiger bend push-up beginner strength
Wide Push-Up
Learn more about wide push-up intermediate strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength