Setup and loading
Bench at 30-45 degrees.
How to do the incline dumbbell press step by step
- Lie on the incline bench and bring the dumbbells up to shoulder height.
- Press up with your palms facing forward.
- Lower until you feel a stretch and return.
Form cues
- Shoulder blades squeezed together
- Wrists over elbows
Common mistakes
- Over-arching
Sets and reps for your goal
Hypertrophy
3-4 x 8-12 · rest 60-90 s3-4 sets of 6-12 reps (up to 15-20 on isolation exercises) at 65-80% of your max. Rest 1 to 2 minutes.
Get close to failure (0-3 reps in reserve) and control the lowering for 2-3 seconds. Accumulate 10-20 sets per muscle per week.
Max Strength
4-5 x 3-6 · rest 2-3 min3-6 sets of 1-6 reps at 80-90% of your max (1RM). Rest 2 to 5 minutes.
Leave 1-3 reps in reserve. If your technique breaks down, lower the weight: strength is built with good reps.
A guide for healthy adults. Adjust the load to your level and see a professional if you have an injury.
Check your form
Film yourself from the side or ask someone to watch, then tick what you get right.
Sports it suits
Gear for this exercise
- Adjustable dumbbellsSave space and replace a whole dumbbell rack at home.
As an Amazon Associate, Muscle Atlas earns from qualifying purchases.