Home Exercises Chest Close-Grip Dumbbell Press
Close-Grip Dumbbell Press

Close-Grip Dumbbell Press

ChestTriceps DumbbellsFull Gym
Primary musclesChest، Triceps
EquipmentDumbbells، Full Gym
Level—
Suggested3 × 8–12

Overview

The Close-Grip Dumbbell Press, sometimes called the crush press or squeeze press, is a dumbbell bench press variation. It works the triceps and chest most, with the shoulders involved as well.

How to do it

  1. 1

    Setup

    Set yourself flat on a bench with a dumbbell in each hand. Hold the dumbbells above your chest with your palms facing each other in a neutral grip, and bend your elbows to 90 degrees.

  2. 2

    Execution

    Drive the dumbbells straight up by extending your arms fully. As you press, squeeze the dumbbells together hard. Keep that crushing pressure through the whole movement. Hold your elbows tight to your sides the entire time so you maintain a close grip. At the top, pause briefly and keep tension in your triceps.

  3. 3

    Lowering Phase

    Lower the dumbbells slowly to the start position. Stay in control and keep squeezing the dumbbells as much as possible.

  4. 4

    Repeat

    Complete the planned number of repetitions, and keep your form and control solid for the full set.

Form tips & common mistakes

Keep your elbows close to your body to maximize triceps activation.

Maintain a neutral wrist position to avoid unnecessary strain.

Use a controlled movement rather than relying on momentum.

Keep your shoulders retracted and engaged to prevent unnecessary stress on the joints.

Muscles worked

Target

Triceps، Pectoralis Major، Sternal، Deltoid، Anterior

Dynamic stabilizers

Biceps Brachii

Muscles worked — Close-Grip Dumbbell Press

Alternatives & variations

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