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Dumbbell Incline Twist Press

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

MediumUpper chest

About this exercise

The Dumbbell Incline Twist Press is a chest exercise performed on an incline bench that adds a supination twist at the top of each repetition. Starting with a neutral grip and rotating the wrists outward as you press increases upper chest activation and recruits the shoulder stabilizers, making it a more demanding variation of the standard incline dumbbell press.

How to Perform

  • Set an adjustable bench to a 30–45 degree incline and sit back with a dumbbell in each hand
  • Begin with dumbbells at chest level, palms facing each other (neutral grip)
  • Press the dumbbells upward and, as you near the top, rotate your wrists outward so palms face away from you
  • Fully extend your arms at the top, squeezing the upper chest
  • Slowly lower the dumbbells back to the starting position, rotating your wrists back to neutral as you descend
  • Keep your back flat against the bench and feet planted on the floor throughout
  • Repeat for the desired number of reps

Muscle Activation

Primary
Upper chest
Secondary
TricepsFront shoulders

About the Dumbbell Incline Twist Press

The Dumbbell Incline Twist 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.

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