Dumbbell Lying One Arm Press - How to Perform, Muscles, Variants | SatisFIT Skip to main content

Dumbbell Lying One Arm Press

Step by step instructions, muscle activation and variants for the Dumbbell Lying One Arm Press.

MediumUpper chestMiddle chest

About this exercise

A unilateral flat bench dumbbell press that works one side of the chest at a time, demanding significant core stability to resist the rotational force of the single load. It highlights and corrects left-to-right strength imbalances.

How to Perform

  • Lie flat on a bench holding one dumbbell in one hand at chest level, palm facing forward; let the free arm rest on your abdomen or the bench
  • Plant both feet firmly on the floor and brace your core to prevent rotation
  • Press the dumbbell straight up until your arm is fully extended above your chest
  • Lower the dumbbell back to chest level in a controlled arc, keeping your elbow at about 45 degrees from your torso
  • Complete all reps on one side before switching arms

Muscle Activation

Primary
Upper chestMiddle chest
Secondary
TricepsFront shoulders

Common Mistakes

Common mistakes content is coming soon.

About the Dumbbell Lying One Arm Press

The Dumbbell Lying One Arm 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.