The inclined dumbbell press is one of the best exercises for the chest muscles. This classic exercise also involves the use of the triceps, as well as the anterior head of the shoulder. Listed below are instructions for performing the inclined dumbbell press:
First, make the appropriate adjustments to the angle of the inclined bench. Sit down and place the dumbbells just above your knees. Lean back in the seat and bring the dumbbells up to your shoulder/chest area. Your elbows should be directly under the dumbbells. Next, press the dumbbells upward, just short of locking your elbows. Some prefer to touch the dumbbells together at the top of the movement. This is okay, as it will engage the muscle fibers closer to the sternal end of the chest. Finally, lower the dumbbells back to the starting point. Each time the dumbbells are lowered, you should feel a light stretch in your chest muscles. Repeat for several repetitions.
Step 1
Adjust bench to proper angle. Position dumbbell at shoulder/chest level.
Step 2
Press dumbbell up, just short of locking elbows.
Step 3
Slowly lower dumbbells until you feel a light stretch in the chest. Repeat.