Triceps · Dumbbell · Beginner

How to do Dumbbell Close Grip Press

The dumbbell close grip press is a strength exercise targeting the triceps, with secondary emphasis on the chest and shoulders. It is performed by pressing dumbbells together with a close grip, focusing on triceps engagement.

Dumbbell Close Grip Press demonstration
Primary muscle
Triceps
Also works
Chest and Shoulders
Equipment
Dumbbell
Level
Beginner
Category
Triceps

How to do Dumbbell Close Grip Press, step by step

  1. Sit on a flat bench with a dumbbell in each hand, resting on your thighs.
  2. Using your thighs to help raise the dumbbells, lift the dumbbells one at a time so that you can hold them in front of you at shoulder width.
  3. Once at shoulder width, rotate your wrists forward so that the palms of your hands are facing away from you. This will be your starting position.
  4. As you breathe in, slowly lower the dumbbells to your side until they are about level with your chest.
  5. As you exhale, use your triceps to lift the dumbbells back to the starting position. Make sure to use only your triceps and do not use your forearms or biceps to help lift the dumbbells.
  6. After a second pause at the contracted position, repeat the movement for the prescribed amount of repetitions.

Muscles worked

Dumbbell Close Grip Press works your triceps as the main mover, with help from your chest and shoulders.

Track Dumbbell Close Grip Press in SPLYT

Dumbbell Close Grip Press is already in SPLYT’s exercise library. Log your sets, reps and weight on iPhone or Apple Watch, with last time’s weights already filled in.

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