Dumbbell Close-grip Press
Learn how to do the Dumbbell Close-grip Press with proper form and technique. This dumbbell exercise primarily targets your Triceps, with secondary emphasis on Chest, Shoulders.
How to Do the Dumbbell Close-grip Press
Follow these steps to perform the Dumbbell Close-grip Press with correct form:
- 1Sit on a flat bench with a dumbbell in each hand, resting on your thighs.
- 2Using your thighs to help raise the dumbbells, lift the dumbbells one at a time so that you can hold them in front of you at shoulder width.
- 3Once at shoulder width, rotate your wrists forward so that the palms of your hands are facing away from you. This will be your starting position.
- 4As you breathe in, slowly lower the dumbbells to your side until they are about level with your chest.
- 5As you exhale, use your triceps to lift the dumbbells back to the starting position.
- 6Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.
Dumbbell Close-grip Press Muscles Worked
Primary
Secondary
Exercise Details
- Equipment
- dumbbell
- Body Part
- upper arms
- Category
- Extended
Recovery & Training Frequency
- Recommended Recovery Time
- 1–2 days
- Weekly Frequency
- 2–4 sessions per week
- Why
- Small muscles used in compound movements tend to recover quickly (24–48 h) given their relatively low absolute volume contribution.
Sets & Reps by Goal
Strength
- Sets
- 3–5
- Reps
- 3–6
- Rest
- 2–3 min
Progressive overload is key — add weight when you can complete all reps with solid form.
Hypertrophy
- Sets
- 3–4
- Reps
- 8–15
- Rest
- 60–90 s
Aim for 2–3 RIR on most sets. The moderate rep range with controlled tempo maximises metabolic stress and mechanical tension.
Endurance
- Sets
- 2–3
- Reps
- 15–25
- Rest
- 30–60 s
High-rep sets at 50–60% 1RM build muscular endurance without excessive fatigue accumulation.
Which Workout Splits Include Dumbbell Close-grip Press?
Based on the muscles this exercise targets, it fits naturally into these training splits and day types:
Push / Pull / Legs
Push Day
Upper / Lower
Upper Day
Full Body
Any session
Bro Split
Arms Day
Not sure which split is right for you? Cora builds personalised training plans that match your schedule and goals. Learn more about progressive overload.
Related Exercises
dumbbell incline one arm hammer press on exercise ball
dumbbell twisting bench press
dumbbell incline hammer press on exercise ball
dumbbell lying extension (across face)
dumbbell incline two arm extension
dumbbell lying triceps extension
Frequently Asked Questions
What muscles does the Dumbbell Close-grip Press work?
The Dumbbell Close-grip Press primarily targets your Triceps. Secondary muscles worked include Chest, Shoulders. This makes it an effective exercise for developing your upper arms.
What equipment do I need for the Dumbbell Close-grip Press?
The Dumbbell Close-grip Press requires dumbbell. Make sure your equipment is properly set up and you have enough space to perform the movement with full range of motion.
How do I perform the Dumbbell Close-grip Press with proper form?
Start by Sit on a flat bench with a dumbbell in each hand, resting on your thighs. Using your thighs to help raise the dumbbells, lift the dumbbells one at a time so that you can hold them in front of you at shoulder width. Once at shoulder width, rotate your wrists forward so that the palms of your hands are facing away from you. This will be your starting position. Focus on controlled movement throughout the entire range of motion. See the full step-by-step instructions above for complete form guidance.
How often should I do the Dumbbell Close-grip Press?
For most people, allow 1–2 days between sessions targeting the same muscle group. That translates to 2–4 sessions per week. Small muscles used in compound movements tend to recover quickly (24–48 h) given their relatively low absolute volume contribution.
What are the best sets and reps for the Dumbbell Close-grip Press?
It depends on your goal. For strength: 3–5 sets of 3–6 with 2–3 min rest. For hypertrophy (muscle growth): 3–4 sets of 8–15 with 60–90 s rest. For endurance: 2–3 sets of 15–25 with 30–60 s rest.
Which workout splits is the Dumbbell Close-grip Press best for?
The Dumbbell Close-grip Press fits well into the following training splits: Push / Pull / Legs (Push Day), Upper / Lower (Upper Day), Full Body (Any session), Bro Split (Arms Day). It is classified as a push, upper movement.
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