Neutral-Grip Dumbbell Bench Press

Lying on a flat bench, hold the dumbbells lengthwise in a neutral grip; press up until they meet over the chest, then lower them apart to the sides of the chest, elbows tucked.

Neutral-Grip Dumbbell Bench Press, illustrated

How to do it

Setup

On a flat bench, bells held lengthwise, palms facing; blades pinched, feet planted.

Steps

  1. Lower the bells to the sides of the chest, elbows tucked closer than a barbell press.
  2. Stretch at the bottom without losing the pinch.
  3. Press up until the bells nearly meet over the chest.

Common mistakes

Grip rotating out mid-press: the neutral palms ARE the point; hold them. Bells crashing together: near, not touching. Elbows flaring: the neutral grip wants them tucked.

Breathing

Inhale down, exhale on the press.