Thread: Dumbbell Press - form questions

Wow. Haven't frequented these boards in a long time. Started getting more serious about training. Knew this was the right place to come for help.

Had a few questions about proper form when performing pressing movements with dumbbells. I've watched countless youtube tutorials and really haven't gotten a straight forward answer.

1. Wide at the bottom narrow at the top? Is this correct for bench presses and military presses with dumbbells? For instance, starting with my elbows at a 90 degree angle at the beginning of the movement and when I'm approaching the top should I be bringing the weight closer together forming what some called a capital A? Or should I be mimicking the form I use with a barbell.

2. Arms placement in relation to my torso when performing flat and incline dumbbell bench press? I guess I'm referring to the angle of my upper arms/torso. Should my upper arms be perpendicular to my torso, or more at an angle? Also, should the dumbbell be facing completely forwards (palms out), or should the dumbbells be at a slight angle towards each other.

In other words, could someone give me a complete step-by-step form guide for dumbbell bench press (incline/flat) and dumbbell military press? I guess a a youtube might work out

1) I have always performed wide at the bottom, a 90 degree angle, and back up. The only time I go lower than that is flat bench barbell, which I bring to chest. For military press, and everything dumb bell, I start with the bells touching, and basically my thumbs next to each other, then lower down bringing my elbows down (so when I look directly to my right they are straight with my line of vision). Stop at 90, then press.

2) KInd of touched this before. So, sit down with weights in front of you. hold one on each knee. lift them up with knee to up right position like your curling, and lay down with them. Fully extend them so your palms point your feet, and the backs of your hands point your face. I prefer completely perpendicular with my body. Lower down. I prefer to keep my shoulders at a 90 degree angle to my body, or making a straight line coming from shoulder. Lower until your elbows are flat with your shoulders. You should have 90 degree angle at torso to arm (preference, can be different) and also 90 degree from bicep to forearm(preference). You can mix it up, but that's how I do it.