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Exercise Guide

How to do dumbbell pull over

Master the setup, range of motion, and tempo for safer, more effective reps.

The dumbbell pullover is a classic movement that bridges the gap between chest and back training. It targets the pectorals, latissimus dorsi, and serratus anterior simultaneously. By moving the weight in an arc over the head, it provides a unique stretch to the ribcage and upper body muscles, aiding in overall upper body expansion, flexibility, and muscle development across multiple groups.

Stats

TIER
3
DIFFICULTY
Untrained to Advanced
EQUIPMENT
Dumbbell, Bench Press
TARGET MUSCLES
Back, Chest, Triceps, Front Shoulder

Instructions for Proper Form

Setup:

  1. Bench position: Lie on a bench with your head near the end and your feet flat on the floor for stability.
  2. Dumbbell Grip: Grasp a dumbbell with both hands, holding the inside of one of the plates. Your palms should face each other. Position the dumbbell directly above your chest with arms extended.

The Lift:

  1. Initiate: Keeping your core engaged and arms slightly bent, slowly lower the dumbbell behind your head in a semicircular arc. Inhale as you descend.
  2. Lower with control: Continue lowering until you feel a comfortable stretch in your lats and chest. Don't go too deep, as this can strain your shoulders.
  3. Pull with your chest and lats: Reverse the motion, bringing the dumbbell back to the starting position using your chest and lats as the primary movers. Exhale as you pull the weight up.
  4. Reset: Breathe and prepare for the next repetition.

Tips:

  • Engage your core: Keep your core tight to protect your back.
  • Don't arch your back excessively: Maintain a slight, natural arch in your back, but don't overdo the extension for safety.
  • Focus on the stretch: Pay attention to the feeling of the stretch in your chest and lats.

Common mistakes: Bending the elbows too much (turning it into a tricep extension), arching the lower back, and moving too fast.

Alternatives

Cable

lat prayer

Back
Pull Up Bar

chin up

BackBiceps+1
Lat Pulldown

lat pulldown(wide bar)

BackBiceps+1
Row Cable

cable seated one arm row

BackBiceps+1
Pull Up Bar

chin up

BackBiceps+1
Lat Pulldown

lat pulldown behind the neck

BackBiceps+1
Dumbbell

dumbbell bent over row

BackBiceps+1
Pull Up Bar

chin ups narrow parallel grip

BackBiceps+1
Pull Up Bar

pull up

BackBiceps+1
Lat Pulldown

cable one arm lat pulldown

BackBiceps+1
Pull Up Bar

close grip chin up

BackBiceps+1
Lat Pulldown

lat pulldown

BackBiceps+1
Row Cable

cable seated row

BackBiceps+1
Barbell

barbell bent over row

BackBiceps+1
Cable

cable straigth arm pulldown(rope)

BackRear Shoulder
Cable

cable straight arm pulldown(bar)

BackRear Shoulder
Barbell

barbell underhand bent over row

BackBiceps
Lat Pulldown

cable seated high row(v-bar)

BackBiceps+1
Bench

dumbbell chest supported row

BackBiceps+1
Front Pulldown

machine front pulldown

BackBiceps+1
Dumbbell

dumbbell one arm row(with support)

BackBiceps+1
Barbell

barbell chest supported row

BackBiceps+1
Barbell

t-bar row(v-grip)

BackBiceps+1
Landmine

t-bar row

BackBiceps+1
Lat Pulldown

cable wide grip behind neck pulldown

BackBiceps+1
Low Row Machine

machine low row

BackBiceps+1
Barbell

barbell reverse grip supported row

BackBiceps+1
Pulldown Machine

machine lateral pulldown

BackBiceps+1
Lat Pulldown

lat pulldown reverse close grip

BackBiceps+1
High Row Machine

machine high row

BackBiceps+1
Row Cable

cable low seated row

BackBiceps+1
Seated Row Machine

machine seated row

BackBiceps+1
Cable

cable pulldown(v-bar)

BackRear Shoulder
None

sliding floor pulldown on towel

BackBiceps
None

superman row with towel

BackBiceps
Row Cable

cable seated row(rope)

BackBiceps+1
Rings

ring high suspended row

BackBiceps+1
Squat Rack

inverted row bend knees

BackRear Shoulder+1
Kettlebell

kettlebell bent over row

BackBiceps+1
Rings

ring suspended row

BackBiceps+1
Dumbbell

dumbbell pull over

BackChest+2
Resistance Band

band seated row

BackBiceps+1
Rowing Machine

rowing on rowing machine

BackQuads+2