Low incline dumbbell press

Dumbbells, bench at about 15 degrees

Also called 15 degree incline dumbbell press, low incline db press

Set the bench to a shallow incline, press the dumbbells up from the upper chest, and lower them with elbows tucked.

Movement

Main movers get full credit for a set, helpers half.

Upper body

Scores 1-5 averaged over sources. Tap a rating for the claims behind it. Claims are our summaries of the linked sources, fact-checked by AI.

Muscle growth higher is better4.0
Very good; among the better picks for the muscle. 2 sources.
- 4/5 A personal favorite at roughly 15 degrees; tucked elbows raise upper chest activity, and dumbbells let you pick a wrist position that spares the joints. Jeremy Ethier, The 3 WORST (And Best) Chest Exercises For Growth @ 1:31videoStudy2021checked by AI
- 4/5 Up to 15 degrees boosts upper chest with less front delt gain and less mid and lower chest loss than steeper inclines, citing activation research. Jeremy Ethier, 2 “Must-Do” Exercises For A Massive Chest (Based On Science) @ 2:02videoStudy2020checked by AI
Injury risk lower is better2.0
Low risk with basic technique. 1 source.
- 2/5 Slight incline keeps the shoulders slightly externally rotated at the bottom, more comfortable than flat for many. Jeremy Ethier, 2 “Must-Do” Exercises For A Massive Chest (Based On Science) @ 2:32videoExpert opinion2020checked by AI