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Dumbbell Decline One Arm Hammer Press
A single-arm neutral-grip press on a decline bench that targets the lower chest and triceps while forcing the trunk to resist rotation.
ArmsDumbbellHorizontal press
GoLightWeight mediadumbbell-decline-one-arm-hammer-press
Demonstration coming soon
Primary
Pectoralis major
Secondary
TricepsAnterior deltoidsCore
Equipment
Dumbbell
Pattern
Horizontal press
Setup
- 01Set a bench to a decline of about 15 to 30 degrees and hook the feet under the pads.
- 02Lie back holding one dumbbell at the shoulder with a neutral palm facing in.
- 03Place the free hand on the hip or hold the bench for reference, not support.
- 04Pin the shoulder blades to the bench and brace the trunk.
Execution
- 01Press the dumbbell up over the lower chest until the elbow locks out.
- 02Keep the palm facing in and the wrist stacked over the elbow.
- 03Lower the dumbbell under control back to the shoulder.
- 04Complete all reps on one side, then switch arms.
Checkpoints
- -The torso stays flat on the bench with no twist toward the loaded side.
- -The elbow tracks close to the body on the neutral-grip path.
- -The dumbbell finishes over the lower chest, not drifting toward the face.
- -Feet stay locked under the pads throughout.
Common mistakes
- -Letting the loaded shoulder peel off the bench at the bottom.
- -Rotating the trunk to help the press.
- -Flaring the elbow and abandoning the hammer grip line.
- -Using a load that cannot be controlled into position safely.
Programming notes
- -Use 3 sets of 8 to 12 reps per arm.
- -Start the weaker arm first and match its reps with the stronger arm.
- -Good anti-rotation pressing accessory after a bilateral bench variation.
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