Hammer-Grip Incline Dumbbell Press
Learn how to do hammer-grip incline dumbbell press with a clear setup, controlled movement, and a technique you can repeat.
How to do hammer-grip incline dumbbell press
- Lie back on an incline bench with a dumbbell on each hand on top of your thighs. The palms of your hand will be facing each other.
- By using your thighs to help you get the dumbbells up, clean the dumbbells one arm at a time so that you can hold them at shoulder width.
- Once at shoulder width, keep the palms of your hands with a neutral grip (palms facing each other). Keep your elbows flared out with the upper arms in line with the shoulders (perpendicular to the torso) and the elbows bent creating a 90-degree angle between the upper arm and the forearm. This will be your starting position.
- Now bring down the weights slowly to your side as you breathe in. Keep full control of the dumbbells at all times.
- As you breathe out, push the dumbbells up using your pectoral muscles. Lock your arms in the contracted position, 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.
- Repeat the movement for the prescribed amount of repetitions.
- When you are done, place the dumbbells back in your thighs and then on the floor. This is the safest manner to dispose of the dumbbells.
Hammer-Grip Incline Dumbbell Press: muscles worked
Primary focus: chest. Supporting muscles: Shoulders, Triceps.
Better reps before more weight.
Start with a version you can control. Record the same setup and range each time. Add reps or a small load increase when you can repeat the movement without changing the technique.
Plan your next setFrequently asked questions
How do you do hammer-grip incline dumbbell press?
Lie back on an incline bench with a dumbbell on each hand on top of your thighs. The palms of your hand will be facing each other. By using your thighs to help you get the dumbbells up, clean the dumbbells one arm at a time so that you can hold them at shoulder width. Once at shoulder width, keep the palms of your hands with a neutral grip (palms facing each other). Keep your elbows flared out with the upper arms in line with the shoulders (perpendicular to the torso) and the elbows bent creating a 90-degree angle between the upper arm and the forearm. This will be your starting position.
What muscles does hammer-grip incline dumbbell press work?
Hammer-Grip Incline Dumbbell Press primarily trains the chest, with the shoulders and triceps contributing. The exact demand depends on your setup, range, and chosen load.
What is the best technique for hammer-grip incline dumbbell press?
Set stable contact points and a secure grip before pressing. Control the lowering phase and press through a comfortable, repeatable path. Use suitable rack safeties or assistance for heavy barbell work; avoid sudden changes in position.
What can I do instead of hammer-grip incline dumbbell press?
Related options include Neutral-Grip Incline Dumbbell Press, Dumbbell Bench Press with Neutral Grip, Incline Dumbbell Press. These can have different equipment, range, and movement demands. Open the guides below to compare the setups before choosing a replacement.
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