Dumbbell Close-Grip Press

Lie flat on a bench with a dumbbell in each hand. Bring the dumbbells close together so that they are touching each other above your chest. Keep your elbows tucked in and lower the dumbbells down towards your chest. Press the dumbbells back up until your arms are fully extended. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

How to perform the Dumbbell Close-Grip Press

  1. Set up. Set up in a stable, balanced starting position appropriate for the Dumbbell Close-Grip Press using your dumbbell.
  2. Brace and execute. Brace your core, control the descent, and move through a full pain-free range of motion while emphasizing your triceps.
  3. Reset. Reverse the movement under control and reset between repetitions, keeping your form crisp on every rep.

Coaching cues

  • Move with intent — every rep should feel deliberate, not rushed.
  • Drive force through your triceps rather than momentum.
  • Keep your breathing steady: exhale on the hard part, inhale on the reset.

Common mistakes

  • Using too much weight and losing positional control.
  • Cutting the range of motion short and missing the target muscle.
  • Letting your spine round or hyperextend instead of staying neutral.

Detailed cues, common mistakes, and demonstration video are available in the Fitly app.

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Variations of Dumbbell Close-Grip Press

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