Chest Exercise · Dumbbell

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Dumbbell Around Pullover

The around pullover sweeps the dumbbell in a wide arc from the hips overhead rather than straight up and down, stretching the chest and lats through a longer path than a standard pullover. That circular motion is deliberate — it's what extends the time under tension compared to a straight vertical pullover. Keep the weight modest here since the shoulder sits in a vulnerable position through the wide part of the arc.

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Also known as: Db Around Pullover, Dumbell Around Pullover

Category

Chest

Equipment

Dumbbell

Target

Pectorals

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Exercise reference published by PlanWorkouts; see our editorial standards.

How to Do the Dumbbell Around Pullover

1. Lie back on a bench with your head near one end and your feet planted firmly on the floor.
2. Grip a dumbbell with both hands and extend your arms straight up above your chest.
3. With your arms kept straight, slowly lower the dumbbell in an arcing path behind your head.
4. Pause briefly at the bottom of the stretch, then raise the dumbbell back up to the starting position.
5. Perform for your targeted rep count, focusing on a deliberate tempo and maximum tension in the pectorals.

Technique & Form Tips

Press by straightening the elbows while controlling the movement of the upper arms. Bench presses, push-ups and dips use different support points and shoulder positions; match the setup and range to the demonstrated variation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Extreme elbow flare: Adjust the angle of your upper arms to find a comfortable position for your shoulders.
• Using the wrong shoulder setup: Follow the specific support and shoulder movement shown. A bench-press setup does not apply unchanged to a push-up or dip.
• Using momentum: Control the descent and ascent to focus on steady movement.

How to Breathe During This Exercise

Exhale during the pushing phase and inhale during the return.

Comfort and Control

Choose a load and range you can control. Stop if the movement causes pain. If discomfort persists, stop and ask a qualified professional about an appropriate exercise and range.

General guidance: Mayo Clinic on weight-training technique. Follow the specific movement steps above for this variation.

Muscles Worked

The Dumbbell Around Pullover mainly targets your Pectorals, with your Triceps helping support the movement, along with your Latissimus Dorsi.

More Chest Exercises

Archer Push Up Body Weight · Pectorals Assisted Chest Dip (kneeling) Leverage Machine · Pectorals Assisted Seated Pectoralis Major Stretch With Stability Ball Assisted · Pectorals Assisted Wide-Grip Chest Dip (kneeling) Leverage Machine · Pectorals Band Bench Press Band · Pectorals Band One Arm Twisting Chest Press Band · Pectorals

More Pectorals Exercises

Barbell Bench Press Barbell · Pectorals Barbell Decline Bench Press Barbell · Pectorals Barbell Decline Pullover Barbell · Pectorals Barbell Decline Wide-Grip Press Barbell · Pectorals Barbell Front Raise And Pullover Barbell · Pectorals Barbell Guillotine Bench Press Barbell · Pectorals

Equipment Alternatives

Don't have dumbbell? These target the same pectorals with different equipment.

Chest Dip Body Weight · Pectorals Barbell Bench Press Barbell · Pectorals Cable Bench Press Cable · Pectorals Exercise Ball Pike Push Up Stability Ball · Pectorals

FAQ

What muscles does the Dumbbell Around Pullover work?

The Dumbbell Around Pullover mainly works your pectorals. It also helps strengthen your triceps and latissimus dorsi. Using good, smooth form makes sure you work the right muscles and avoid unnecessary strain on your joints.

What equipment do I need for the Dumbbell Around Pullover?

You do the Dumbbell Around Pullover with a dumbbell. Make sure your equipment is set up safely before starting. If you work out at home or have limited gear, check out our alternative exercises below.

What form mistake should I watch for on the Dumbbell Around Pullover?

One mistake to watch for is extreme elbow flare: Adjust the angle of your upper arms to find a comfortable position for your shoulders.. Use a comfortable range and a controlled return; reduce the load if you cannot maintain the demonstrated setup.

How many sets and reps should I perform on the Dumbbell Around Pullover?

To build muscle size, aim for 3 to 4 sets of 8 to 12 reps with 90 to 120 seconds of rest. To build pure strength, focus on 4 to 5 sets of 3 to 6 heavier reps with 2 to 3 minutes of rest.

What's a good alternative to the Dumbbell Around Pullover?

The Chest Dip trains your pectorals with body weight and a similar movement pattern. Review its form guide before substituting it, since setup and range of motion can differ.