Dumbbell Lying One Arm Press

Build a powerful, balanced chest with the Dumbbell Lying One Arm Press. This exercise isolates one side of your chest, improving strength and stability.

Intermediate
Compound
Push
1 min per set2 min rest

Description

The Dumbbell Lying One Arm Press is a strength-building workout that primarily targets the chest muscles, with secondary focus on the triceps and shoulders.

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How to Do Dumbbell Lying One Arm Press

  1. 1
    Setup

    Lie supine on a flat bench with your feet flat on the floor, providing a stable base and keeping your glutes and upper back in contact with the bench.

  2. 2
    Setup

    Hold one dumbbell in one hand, resting it on your chest with your elbow bent and tucked slightly towards your side, palm facing inward (neutral grip).

  3. 3

    Engage your core and press the dumbbell straight up towards the ceiling, fully extending your elbow without locking it, exhaling as you press.

  4. 4

    Slowly lower the dumbbell back down to the starting position with control, allowing your elbow to descend slightly below bench level to feel a stretch in your pectoral muscle, inhaling during the descent.

  5. 5

    Maintain stability throughout the movement, preventing your torso from rotating or lifting off the bench, and repeat for the desired number of repetitions before switching arms.

Tips

  • Keep your non-working arm extended out to the side or placed on your abdomen for balance and to prevent your torso from twisting during the movement.
  • Focus on driving the dumbbell up using your chest muscle, envisioning your pectoral contracting to initiate and complete the press rather than just pushing with your arm.
  • Control the eccentric (lowering) phase of the movement; this is crucial for muscle growth and maintaining tension on the chest throughout the entire range of motion.
  • Maintain a slight arch in your lower back, keeping your glutes and upper back firmly pressed against the bench for optimal stability and leverage.

Common Mistakes

  • ×Allowing your body to rotate or lift off the bench during the press compromises stability and reduces target muscle activation; keep your core braced and body still on the bench.
  • ×Rushing the eccentric phase reduces time under tension and potential muscle growth; ensure a slow, controlled descent of the dumbbell to maximize muscle engagement.
  • ×Pressing the dumbbell in an arc rather than a straight line can put undue stress on the shoulder joint; always press the dumbbell directly upwards in a vertical path.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What muscles does Dumbbell Lying One Arm Press work?
Dumbbell Lying One Arm Press primarily targets Pectoralis Major Clavicular Head, Pectoralis Major Sternal Head. Secondary muscles include Deltoid Anterior, Triceps Brachii.
Is Dumbbell Lying One Arm Press good for beginners?
Dumbbell Lying One Arm 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 One Arm Press?
You need Dumbbell to perform Dumbbell Lying One Arm 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 One Arm Press?
Keep your non-working arm extended out to the side or placed on your abdomen for balance and to prevent your torso from twisting during the movement. Focus on driving the dumbbell up using your chest muscle, envisioning your pectoral contracting to initiate and complete the press rather than just pushing with your arm. Control the eccentric (lowering) phase of the movement; this is crucial for muscle growth and maintaining tension on the chest throughout the entire range of motion. Maintain a slight arch in your lower back, keeping your glutes and upper back firmly pressed against the bench for optimal stability and leverage.
What are common mistakes when doing Dumbbell Lying One Arm Press?
Allowing your body to rotate or lift off the bench during the press compromises stability and reduces target muscle activation; keep your core braced and body still on the bench. Rushing the eccentric phase reduces time under tension and potential muscle growth; ensure a slow, controlled descent of the dumbbell to maximize muscle engagement. Pressing the dumbbell in an arc rather than a straight line can put undue stress on the shoulder joint; always press the dumbbell directly upwards in a vertical path.

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