Exercise Library / Chest

Close-Grip Dumbbell Press

How to do the Close-Grip Dumbbell Press with proper form, and the muscles it works.

Muscle group
Chest
Primary muscles
Triceps
Secondary muscles
Chest and shoulders
Equipment
Dumbbell
Type
Compound
Level
Beginner

Video: “CLOSE GRIP DUMBBELL PRESS” by James Harrison on YouTube.

How to do the Close-Grip Dumbbell Press

  1. Place a dumbbell standing up on a flat bench.
  2. Ensuring that the dumbbell stays securely placed at the top of the bench, lie perpendicular to the bench with only your shoulders lying on the surface. Hips should be below the bench and your legs bent with your feet firmly on the floor.
  3. Grasp the dumbbell with both hands and hold it straight over your chest at arm's length. Both palms should be pressing against the underside of the sides of the dumbbell. This will be your starting position.
  4. Initiate the movement by lowering the dumbbell to your chest.
  5. Return to the starting position by extending the elbows.

Muscles worked

The Close-Grip Dumbbell Press mainly works your triceps, with help from your chest and shoulders.

Close-Grip Dumbbell Press start and finish positions

Close-Grip Dumbbell Press: Starting position
Starting position
Close-Grip Dumbbell Press: Ending position
Ending position

Track your Close-Grip Dumbbell Press progress

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