Description
This is an upper body exercise targeting the pectoral muscles. The individual lies on a bench on their side, holding a dumbbell in one hand, and performs a one-arm bench press.
How to Do Dumbbell One Arm Side Lying Bench Press
- 1Setup
Lie on your side on a flat bench, with your bottom arm extended along the bench for support and stability. Ensure your feet are firmly planted on the floor.
- 2Setup
Hold a dumbbell in your top hand, palm facing your feet, and position it directly over your chest with your elbow bent at about a 90-degree angle.
- 3
Exhale as you press the dumbbell straight up towards the ceiling, fully extending your arm and contracting your pectoral muscle.
- 4
Inhale as you slowly lower the dumbbell back to the starting position with control, feeling a stretch in your chest.
- 5
Complete all repetitions on one side before carefully switching to the other arm, maintaining proper form throughout.
Tips
- Maintain a tight core throughout the movement to prevent your torso from rotating and ensure maximum stability on the bench.
- Focus on driving the dumbbell straight up using your chest muscle, rather than relying on momentum or excessive shoulder involvement.
- Keep your bottom arm firm against the bench to provide a stable base and prevent unwanted body movement during the press.
- Control the eccentric (lowering) phase of the movement to maximize muscle engagement and time under tension for better results.
Common Mistakes
- ×Using momentum to lift the weight instead of muscle activation; focus on a slow, controlled press and lower to engage the chest effectively.
- ×Allowing the body to roll or twist on the bench; brace your core and keep your bottom arm anchored to maintain a stable, side-lying position.
- ×Flaring the elbow out too wide; keep your elbow slightly tucked to protect your shoulder joint and better target the pectoral muscles.
Variations

Dumbbell Reverse Bench Press
Build a powerful chest and triceps with the Dumbbell Reverse Bench Press. This variation emphasizes upper chest activation for a strong, sculpted physique.

Dumbbell One Arm Wide Grip Bench Press
Master the Dumbbell One Arm Wide Grip Bench Press to build chest strength and stability.

Dumbbell Bridge Bench Press
Build a strong chest, shoulders, and triceps with the Dumbbell Bridge Bench Press.

Dumbbell Banded Bench Press
Boost your chest strength and muscle growth with the Dumbbell Banded Bench Press. This advanced variation uses resistance bands for increased tension and
Related Exercises

Dumbbell Bent Arm Pullover Hold
Enhance chest and serratus anterior strength and flexibility with the Dumbbell Bent Arm Pullover Hold.

Dumbbell Alternating Floor Press
Build a stronger chest and triceps with the Dumbbell Alternating Floor Press. Lie on your back, pressing one dumbbell at a time, enhancing unilateral

Dumbbell Alternate Chest Press on Stability Ball
Sculpt your chest, shoulders, and triceps with the dumbbell alternate chest press on a stability ball.

Dumbbell Complex Push-up Row Clean and Press
The ultimate full-body dumbbell complex combining a push-up, row, clean, and overhead press in one flow.

Bodyweight Kneeling Push-up Row
Build chest and back strength with this kneeling push-up variation that adds a rowing pull at the top.

Push-up Pull
Build upper-body pushing and pulling strength in one move with this challenging push-up and row combo.
Track Dumbbell One Arm Side Lying Bench Press in your workouts
Log sets, reps, and weight. See your progress over time.
Get Ellim — Free