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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

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.