askvity

How to do a dumbbell pullover?

Published in Dumbbell Exercise Guide 2 mins read

To do a dumbbell pullover, you typically lie on a bench holding a dumbbell with both hands overhead, start with a slight bend in the elbows, and slowly lower the weight behind your head, maintaining that bend, to get a good stretch before returning to the start.

Based on the specific instructions provided:

Performing the Dumbbell Pullover

This exercise targets muscles in the chest and back, depending on your form and focus. Here's a breakdown of the movement according to the reference:

Starting Position

  • Begin from the top of the movement, with the dumbbell held overhead.
  • Ensure a slight bend in your elbows.
  • Keep your elbows straight ahead.
  • Engage your core muscles: abdominals engaged and glutes engaged.

Execution

  • Slowly lower the weight overhead.
  • As you lower the weight, keep that same slight bend in your elbows.
  • Continue lowering until you get a good stretch.

Key Points

  • Maintain core engagement throughout the movement for stability.
  • The degree of "stretch" you feel will depend on your flexibility and the range of motion you use.
  • Focus on controlled movement, especially during the lowering (eccentric) phase.

Here is a simple summary table based on the steps:

Step Action Form Cues
Starting Hold weight overhead Slight elbow bend, elbows straight ahead
Core Prep Prepare for movement Abdominals engaged, glutes engaged
Lowering Slowly move weight behind head Keep same slight elbow bend
Bottom Range Lower until appropriate Get a good stretch
Raising Return weight to starting position (not detailed in this reference) Maintain control

Remember to use a weight that allows you to maintain proper form throughout the entire range of motion.

Related Articles