Dumbbell Single Arm Pullover - How to Perform, Muscles, Variants | SatisFIT Skip to main content

Dumbbell Single Arm Pullover

Step by step instructions, muscle activation and variants for the Dumbbell Single Arm Pullover.

MediumMiddle back

About this exercise

The dumbbell single arm pullover is a unilateral upper-body exercise performed lying on a bench. By working one arm at a time, it addresses muscle imbalances while stretching and loading the lats and serratus anterior through a long range of motion.

How to Perform

  • Lie flat on a bench with your head near the edge and feet flat on the floor
  • Hold a dumbbell in one hand and extend that arm straight above your chest, palm facing inward
  • Place your free hand on your torso for stability
  • With a slight bend in the elbow, slowly lower the dumbbell in an arc behind your head until you feel a deep stretch in the lat
  • Keeping the elbow angle constant, pull the dumbbell back in an arc to the starting position above your chest
  • Squeeze the lat at the top and avoid letting the lower back arch excessively
  • Complete all reps on one side before switching arms

Muscle Activation

Primary
Middle back
Secondary
TricepsUpper chest

Common Mistakes

Common mistakes content is coming soon.

About the Dumbbell Single Arm Pullover

The Dumbbell Single Arm Pullover 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.