How to do a dumbbell close grip bench press

About dumbbell close grip bench press

TIER
4
DIFFICULTY
untrained
EQUIPMENT
bench, dumbbell
TARGET MUSCLES
chest, triceps, frontShoulder

Instructions for Proper Form

Setup:

  1. Bench: Sit on the edge of a flat bench, holding a dumbbell in each hand.
  2. Dumbbell Placement: Place the dumbbells on your thighs and then carefully lie back on the bench, bringing the dumbbells to your chest.
  3. Grip: Position your hands so that your palms face each other, and the dumbbells are touching. Your elbows should be tucked in close to your body.

The Lift:

  1. Press Upward: Exhale and press the dumbbells up towards the ceiling, keeping them pressed together throughout the movement.
  2. Full Extension: Extend your arms until they are almost straight, but avoid locking out your elbows.
  3. Controlled Lowering: Inhale and slowly lower the dumbbells back down to your chest, maintaining control of the weight.

Tips:

  • Elbow Position: Keep your elbows tucked in close to your body throughout the entire movement.
  • Touch and Go (Optional): You can lightly touch the dumbbells to your chest at the bottom of the movement, but avoid bouncing them.
  • Focus on the Triceps: The close grip emphasizes your triceps muscles. Focus on squeezing them at the top of the movement.

Alternatives

machine incline chest press

ChestTricepsFront Shoulder
Incline Chest Press Machine

chest tap push up

ChestTricepsFront Shoulder
None

barbell paused bench press

ChestTricepsFront Shoulder
Bench PressBarbell

barbell bench press

ChestTricepsFront Shoulder
BarbellBench Press+1

decline push up

ChestTricepsFront Shoulder
Bench

cable incline bench press

ChestTricepsFront Shoulder
CableBench

dips between chair

ChestTricepsFront Shoulder
None

dumbbell close grip bench press

ChestTricepsFront Shoulder
BenchDumbbell

dumbbell bench press

ChestTricepsFront Shoulder
BenchDumbbell

machine high incline hammer chest press

ChestTricepsFront Shoulder
High Incline Chest Press Machine

machine chest press

ChestTricepsFront Shoulder
Chest Press Machine

resistance band push up

ChestTricepsFront Shoulder
Resistance Band

machine seated dip

ChestTricepsFront Shoulder
Seated Dip Machine

wide grip push-up

ChestTricepsFront Shoulder
None

barbell paused decline bench press

ChestTricepsFront Shoulder
BarbellBench Press

chest dips

ChestTricepsFront Shoulder
Dip Bar

bench dip on floor

ChestTricepsFront Shoulder
Bench

assisted chest dip

ChestTricepsFront Shoulder
Resistance BandDip Bar

barbell incline bench press

ChestTricepsFront Shoulder
BarbellBench Press

cable bench press

ChestTricepsFront Shoulder
CableBench

barbell paused incline bench press

ChestTricepsFront Shoulder
BarbellBench Press

push up

ChestTricepsFront Shoulder
None

machine decline chest press

ChestTricepsFront Shoulder
Decline Chest Press Machine

clap push up

ChestTricepsFront Shoulder
None

push-up row

ChestBackBiceps+4
Dumbbell