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Dumbbell Tate Press

Step by step instructions, muscle activation and variants for the Dumbbell Tate Press.

MediumTriceps

About this exercise

The dumbbell Tate press is a lying triceps isolation exercise performed on a flat bench, popularized by powerlifter Dave Tate. Unlike a standard triceps extension, the elbows flare out to the sides and the dumbbells are lowered toward the chest rather than behind the head, creating a unique loading angle for the triceps. The movement also provides a secondary stimulus to the chest and front deltoids.

How to Perform

  • Lie flat on a bench holding a dumbbell in each hand, arms extended above the chest with palms facing each other
  • Point your elbows outward to the sides (away from your torso) rather than toward your feet
  • Lower the dumbbells toward your chest by bending your elbows outward, keeping the upper arms relatively stationary
  • Touch or nearly touch the dumbbells to your chest at the bottom of the movement
  • Press the dumbbells back up by extending your elbows, squeezing the triceps at the top
  • Maintain a controlled tempo throughout and avoid letting the elbows drift inward
  • Repeat for the desired number of repetitions

Muscle Activation

Primary
Triceps
Secondary
Front shoulders

Common Mistakes

Common mistakes content is coming soon.

About the Dumbbell Tate Press

The Dumbbell Tate Press is a foundational movement that builds strength and muscle through controlled, progressive overload. Train it 1 to 2 times per week with 3 to 5 working sets per session, gradually adding weight or reps as form holds up.