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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:
- Bench position: Lie on a bench with your head near the end and your feet flat on the floor for stability.
- 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:
- Initiate: Keeping your core engaged and arms slightly bent, slowly lower the dumbbell behind your head in a semicircular arc. Inhale as you descend.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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