Exercise library · Triceps

How to Do Close-Grip Push-Up off of a Dumbbell

Step-by-step instructions, muscles worked and workouts that use the close-grip push-up off of a dumbbell.

How to do it

1. Lie on the floor and place your hands on an upright dumbbell. Supporting your weight on your toes and hands, keep your torso rigid and your elbows in with your arms straight. This will be your starting position.
2. Lower your body, allowing the elbows to flex while you inhale. Keep your body straight, not allowing your hips to rise or sag.
3. Press yourself back up to the starting position by extending the elbows. Breathe out as you perform this step.
4. After a pause at the contracted position, repeat the movement for the prescribed amount of repetitions.

Form tips

• Start light and own the movement before adding weight.
• Control the lowering phase — don't drop into it.
• Keep breathing; exhale on the hardest part.
• Stop if you feel sharp pain (different from muscle burn).

Workouts with this exercise

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Gear for this exercise

Exercise matGrip and comfort for floor work, core and stretching.See it on Amazon →Doorway pull-up barThe cheapest way to train your back and biceps at home.See it on Amazon →

Exercise photos and instructions: free-exercise-db (public domain). Animation made from the real start and end photos.