Chest Exercise · Dumbbell

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Dumbbell Reverse Bench Press

A reverse, underhand grip on the bench press shifts more emphasis onto the upper chest and front delts compared to a standard overhand grip, similar to what an incline press does but from a flat position. It's a less common variation worth trying specifically for that different emphasis, not as a wholesale replacement for standard pressing. Go lighter than usual until the wrist and shoulder positioning feel comfortable.

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Also known as: Db Reverse Bench Press, Dumbell Reverse Bench Press

Category

Chest

Equipment

Dumbbell

Target

Pectorals

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Exercise reference published by PlanWorkouts; see our editorial standards.

How to Do the Dumbbell Reverse Bench Press

1. Lie back on a bench with your feet planted on the floor and your knees bent.
2. Hold a dumbbell in each hand with an overhand grip, palms facing toward your feet.
3. Press both arms straight up toward the ceiling, keeping a slight bend in the elbows.
4. Lower the dumbbells toward your chest under control, letting your elbows flare out to the sides.
5. Hold briefly at the bottom, then press the dumbbells back up to the start.
6. Continue for the set reps, taking care to lower with control and reset your posture between each rep.

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 Reverse Bench Press mainly targets your Pectorals, with your Triceps helping support the movement, along with your Shoulders.

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 Kettlebell Alternating Press On Floor Kettlebell · Pectorals

FAQ

What muscles does the Dumbbell Reverse Bench Press work?

The Dumbbell Reverse Bench Press mainly works your pectorals. It also helps strengthen your triceps and shoulders. 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 Reverse Bench Press?

You do the Dumbbell Reverse Bench Press 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 Reverse Bench Press?

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 Reverse Bench Press?

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 Reverse Bench Press?

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.