Dumbbell Bench Press with Neutral Grip
Dumbbell Bench Press with Neutral Grip is a beginner compound dumbbell exercise that mainly works your chest, with help from your shoulders and triceps.


How to do the dumbbell bench press with neutral grip
- Take a dumbbell in each hand and lay back onto a flat bench. Your feet should be flat on the floor and your shoulder blades retracted.
- Maintaining a neutral grip, palms facing each other, begin with your arms extended directly above you, perpendicular to the floor. This will be your starting position.
- Begin the movement by flexing the elbow, lowering the upper arms to the side. Descend until the dumbbells are to your torso.
- Pause, then extend the elbow and return to the starting position.
Muscles worked
Sets and reps
For strength, do 3-5 sets of 5-8 reps with 2-3 minutes of rest. For muscle growth, 3-4 sets of 8-12 reps with 90 seconds of rest. Add a little weight when you hit the top of the range on every set.
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What muscles does the dumbbell bench press with neutral grip work?
It mainly works your chest; your shoulders and triceps assist.
How many sets and reps of dumbbell bench press with neutral grip should I do?
For strength, do 3-5 sets of 5-8 reps with 2-3 minutes of rest. For muscle growth, 3-4 sets of 8-12 reps with 90 seconds of rest. Add a little weight when you hit the top of the range on every set.
Is the dumbbell bench press with neutral grip good for beginners?
Yes. It is a beginner-friendly movement: start light and focus on the form steps above.