Dumbbell Lying on Floor Hammer Press

Perform the dumbbell lying on floor hammer press to build chest, triceps, and shoulder strength.

Intermediate
Compound
Push
1 min per set2 min rest

Description

A variation of chest press performed on the floor, involving a hammer grip to target the pectorals, triceps and deltoids.

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How to Do Dumbbell Lying on Floor Hammer Press

  1. 1
    Setup

    Lie supine on the floor with knees bent and feet flat on the ground, holding a dumbbell in each hand.

  2. 2
    Setup

    Position the dumbbells on your upper chest with a neutral (hammer) grip, palms facing each other, and elbows resting on the floor, ensuring your wrists are straight.

  3. 3

    Exhale and press the dumbbells straight up towards the ceiling by extending your elbows, keeping your palms facing each other throughout the movement.

  4. 4

    Contract your chest at the top, then slowly inhale as you lower the dumbbells back down in a controlled manner until your upper arms gently touch the floor.

  5. 5

    Maintain tension on your chest and triceps as you return to the starting position, ensuring your elbows do not excessively flare out.

Tips

  • Maintain a neutral spine by keeping your lower back pressed gently into the floor throughout the exercise to prevent arching.
  • Focus on squeezing your chest muscles at the top of the movement to maximize pectoral engagement rather than just locking out your elbows.
  • Control the eccentric (lowering) phase, taking 2-3 seconds to bring the dumbbells back down to the floor for increased muscle time under tension.
  • Keep your wrists strong and straight, in line with your forearms, to avoid wrist strain and ensure proper force transfer.

Common Mistakes

  • ×Flaring elbows too wide can put undue stress on the shoulder joints; keep your elbows tucked slightly closer to your body to protect your shoulders.
  • ×Bouncing the dumbbells off the floor at the bottom reduces muscle tension and effectiveness; control the descent so your upper arms gently touch the floor without impact.
  • ×Arching the lower back excessively lifts the chest, reducing the range of motion and potentially causing back strain; keep your core engaged and lower back pressed into the floor.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What muscles does Dumbbell Lying on Floor Hammer Press work?
Dumbbell Lying on Floor Hammer Press primarily targets Pectoralis Major Clavicular Head, Pectoralis Major Sternal Head. Secondary muscles include Deltoid Anterior, Triceps Brachii.
Is Dumbbell Lying on Floor Hammer Press good for beginners?
Dumbbell Lying on Floor Hammer Press is rated intermediate. Beginners can still attempt it with lighter weight and careful form, but it's best to master easier variations first.
What equipment do I need for Dumbbell Lying on Floor Hammer Press?
You need Dumbbell to perform Dumbbell Lying on Floor Hammer Press. If you don't have this equipment, look for variations that target the same muscles with what you have available.
What are the best tips for Dumbbell Lying on Floor Hammer Press?
Maintain a neutral spine by keeping your lower back pressed gently into the floor throughout the exercise to prevent arching. Focus on squeezing your chest muscles at the top of the movement to maximize pectoral engagement rather than just locking out your elbows. Control the eccentric (lowering) phase, taking 2-3 seconds to bring the dumbbells back down to the floor for increased muscle time under tension. Keep your wrists strong and straight, in line with your forearms, to avoid wrist strain and ensure proper force transfer.
What are common mistakes when doing Dumbbell Lying on Floor Hammer Press?
Flaring elbows too wide can put undue stress on the shoulder joints; keep your elbows tucked slightly closer to your body to protect your shoulders. Bouncing the dumbbells off the floor at the bottom reduces muscle tension and effectiveness; control the descent so your upper arms gently touch the floor without impact. Arching the lower back excessively lifts the chest, reducing the range of motion and potentially causing back strain; keep your core engaged and lower back pressed into the floor.

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Dumbbell Lying on Floor Hammer Press

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