Chest exercises

Dumbbell Pullover

Also known as: Pull-over avec haltère · Πουλόβερ με αλτήρα · DB pullover · pullover

Primary
Chest
Equipment
Dumbbell
Level
Intermediate
Type
Isolation
Suggested rest
1 min

How to do the Dumbbell Pullover

  1. Lie on a bench holding one dumbbell with both hands over your chest.

  2. Bend your elbows slightly and keep that angle.

  3. Lower the dumbbell in an arc behind your head until you feel a stretch in your chest and sides.

  4. Bring the dumbbell back over your chest along the same path.

Sets and reps

GoalSetsRepsRest
Muscle growth2–410–151 min
Muscular endurance2–315–2545 s

When you hit the top of the rep range on every set, add 2 kg (5 lb) next session and work back up.

Starting points from training research. Stop each set 1–3 reps short of failure.

Muscles worked

Primary

Chest

Secondary

Lats, Triceps

The pecs push your arms forward and across your body. Presses build the most mass; flyes and cable work load the stretch the presses miss.

Alternatives

Same muscles, similar movement: swap in one of these if the Dumbbell Pullover doesn’t suit your gym or your joints.

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Dumbbell chest exercises