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One Arm Dumbbell Bench Press

Chest Shoulders Triceps Beginner Strength Dumbbell
One Arm Dumbbell Bench Press One Arm Dumbbell Bench Press
Equipment
Dumbbell
Level
Beginner
Force
Push
Mechanic
Compound
Instructions
  1. Lie down on a flat bench with a dumbbell in one hand on top of your thigh.
  2. By using your thigh to help you get the dumbbell up, clean the dumbbell up so that you can hold it in front of you at shoulder width. Use the hand you are not lifting with to help position the dumbbell over you properly.
  3. Once at shoulder width, rotate your wrist forward so that the palm of your hand is facing away from you. This will be your starting position.
  4. Bring down the weights slowly to your side as you breathe in. Keep full control of the dumbbell at all times. Tip: Use the hand that you are not lifting with to help keep the dumbbell balance as you may struggle a bit at first. Only use your non-lifting hand if it is needed. Otherwise, keep it resting to the side.
  5. As you breathe out, push the dumbbells up using your pectoral muscles. Lock your arms in the contracted position, squeeze your chest, hold for a second and then start coming down slowly. Tip: It should take at least twice as long to go down than to come up.
  6. Repeat the movement for the prescribed amount of repetitions of your training program.
  7. Switch arms and repeat the movement.
Frequently asked questions
What muscles does the One Arm Dumbbell Bench Press work?

One Arm Dumbbell Bench Press primarily targets the Chest. It also engages the Shoulders, Triceps as secondary muscles. This makes it an effective strength exercise for building chest development.

What equipment do I need for the One Arm Dumbbell Bench Press?

You will need a dumbbell to perform the One Arm Dumbbell Bench Press. Make sure the equipment is set up properly and at the appropriate weight before starting.

Is the One Arm Dumbbell Bench Press suitable for beginners?

Yes. The One Arm Dumbbell Bench Press is a beginner-friendly exercise. Focus on proper form before adding weight or intensity. It's a great movement to include early in your training.

Is the One Arm Dumbbell Bench Press a compound or isolation exercise?

The One Arm Dumbbell Bench Press is a compound exercise, meaning it works multiple joints and muscle groups simultaneously. Compound movements are efficient for building overall strength and are typically performed earlier in a workout when you have the most energy.

How many sets and reps should I do for the One Arm Dumbbell Bench Press?

For strength, aim for 3-5 sets of 5-8 reps with heavier weight. For muscle building (hypertrophy), try 3-4 sets of 8-12 reps at a moderate weight. For endurance, use lighter weight and perform 2-3 sets of 15-20 reps.

What are good alternatives to the One Arm Dumbbell Bench Press?

Good alternatives include the Alternating Floor Press, Around The Worlds, Barbell Bench Press - Medium Grip. These exercises target similar muscle groups (Chest) and can be substituted based on available equipment or training preference.

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