Exercises · upper arms

Dumbbell Close-Grip Press

A pressing movement with dumbbells held close together to emphasize triceps activation.

upper armstricepsdumbbellintermediatecompound

Secondary muscles

pectoralis majoranterior deltoids

How to do it

  1. Lie flat on a bench with a dumbbell in each hand.
  2. Hold dumbbells together above chest, palms in.
  3. Lower dumbbells toward sternum, elbows tight to torso.
  4. Pause when elbows reach 90 degrees.
  5. Press dumbbells back up by extending arms.

Form cues

  • Keep elbows close
  • Touch dumbbells together
  • Press through palms
  • Own the descent

Common mistakes

  • Flaring elbows out
  • Letting dumbbells drift apart
  • Arching back excessively
  • Lowering weights too far

Breathing

Inhale as you lower the dumbbells, exhale as you press up.

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