Flat Dumbbell Press
Technique guide
Set-up
- Sit on a flat bench with the dumbbells resting upright on your knees.
- Kick them up one at a time as you lie back, so they finish beside your chest.
How to do it
- Drive the dumbbells up over your chest until your elbows are straight.
- Bring them down slowly to the edges of your chest.
- Press up again, keeping the dumbbells level with each other.
Coaching cues
- Feet planted, upper back tight on the bench.
- Think of pushing yourself away from the dumbbells.
Common mistakes
- Pressing one side faster than the other.
- Letting the elbows flare straight out to the sides.
Safety
- Bring the dumbbells back to your chest and onto your knees before sitting up.
Reviewed by Anthony Markson on 2026-11-01
This is general fitness information, not medical advice. If you have pain or an injury, see a doctor or physiotherapist before training.
Alternatives
Easier and harder versions of this movement, and the same movement with other equipment.
Same movement
- Barbell Bench PressBarbell
- Incline Barbell Bench PressBarbell
- Decline Barbell Bench PressBarbell
- Chest Press MachineMachine
- Incline Chest Press MachineMachine
- Push-UpBodyweight
- Incline Push-UpBodyweight
- Decline Push-UpBodyweight
- Resistance Band Chest PressBand
- Smith Machine Bench PressMachine
- Smith Machine Incline PressMachine
- Single-Arm Cable Chest PressCable
- Wide-Grip Push-UpBodyweight
- Knee Push-UpBodyweight
- Archer Push-UpBodyweight
- Resistance Band Push-UpBand
- Incline Dumbbell PressDumbbell
- Decline Dumbbell PressDumbbell
- Dumbbell Floor PressDumbbell
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