Horizontal push · Coached in Recomp

Incline dumbbell press

The incline dumbbell press is a beginner horizontal push exercise for your chest and shoulders, using dumbbells and adjustable bench.

Main muscles
Chest, Shoulders
Also works
Triceps
Equipment
Dumbbells, Adjustable bench
Level
Beginner
Incline dumbbell press, starting position
Start
Incline dumbbell press, end position
Finish

Setup

Set the bench to about 30 degrees. Kick the dumbbells up to your upper chest.

How to do it

  1. Press up over your upper chest.
  2. Lower to the top of your chest with elbows slightly tucked.
  3. Press back up.

Coaching cues

  • A low incline (30 degrees) keeps it a chest exercise.
  • Shoulder blades back.

Common mistakes

  • Bench so steep it becomes a shoulder press.
  • Arching off the bench.

Make it easier or harder

EasierDumbbell floor press HarderDumbbell bench press

Alternatives to the incline dumbbell press

Dumbbell bench press Dumbbells, Flat bench Dumbbell floor press Dumbbells Dumbbell fly Dumbbells, Flat bench Incline barbell press Barbell, Adjustable bench Cable fly Cable stack Chest press machine Chest press machine