Dumbbell Hammer Floor Press: Video Tutorial & Exercise Guide

Author Claude Michael

Written By: Claude Michael

Updated: Oct 13, 2024

Workout Dumbbell Hammer Floor Press
Primary Muscle Group Chest
Secondary Muscle Group Shoulders, Triceps
Equipment Required Dumbbell
Force Type Push
Mechanics Compound
Exercise Type Strength
Difficulty Intermediate

Dumbbell Hammer Floor Press: Video Tutorial & Exercise Guide

Muscle Groups

Primary Muscle Group

Chest Muscle Exercises

Secondary Muscles Group

Dumbbell Hammer Floor Press: Step-by-Step Guide

  • Step 1: Lie flat on the floor with your knees bent and feet flat on the ground. Hold a dumbbell in each hand using a neutral grip (palms facing each other).
  • Step 2: Position the dumbbells directly over your elbows with your arms bent at about 90 degrees. Keep your upper arms on the floor. This is your starting position.
  • Step 3: Press the dumbbells upward by extending your arms fully until the weights are directly above your chest. Keep your palms facing each other throughout the movement.
  • Step 4: Pause briefly at the top of the movement, focusing on squeezing your chest and triceps.
  • Step 5: Slowly lower the dumbbells back to the starting position, allowing your upper arms to rest briefly on the floor before repeating. Maintain control throughout the movement.

Dumbbell Hammer Floor Press: Overview

The Dumbbell Hammer Floor Press is a variation of the traditional floor press that uses a neutral grip, emphasizing the triceps and chest muscles while reducing strain on the shoulders. This exercise is great for building upper body strength, especially for those who may experience discomfort in their shoulders during traditional bench presses.

This movement is particularly useful for lifters looking to target the chest and triceps while protecting their shoulder joints. The floor limits the range of motion, making it easier to control the lift while focusing on the lockout portion of the press.

Dumbbell Hammer Floor Press: Benefits

The Dumbbell Hammer Floor Press is an effective exercise for building chest and triceps strength. The neutral grip reduces shoulder strain and improves triceps activation, making it ideal for those looking to focus on the lockout phase of pressing movements.

Additionally, the floor press variation helps to reduce the range of motion, allowing for better control of the movement and reducing the risk of injury. This makes it a great exercise for beginners or those recovering from shoulder issues.

Dumbbell Hammer Floor Press: Pro Tips & Advanced Techniques

Keep your core engaged and your lower back pressed against the floor to maintain proper alignment. Focus on a controlled lowering phase to maximize time under tension. To increase the intensity, add a slight pause at the bottom when your arms touch the floor, or perform the press with heavier dumbbells while maintaining proper form.

Dumbbell Hammer Floor Press: Progression Plan

Beginner

Sets: 2-3
Reps: 8-10
Progression Tips: Start with light dumbbells to focus on mastering the neutral grip and form. Ensure you can control the weights throughout the movement.

Intermediate

Sets: 3-4
Reps: 10-12
Progression Tips: Increase the weight slightly, focusing on controlled reps with a pause at the bottom to maximize time under tension.

Advanced

Sets: 4-5
Reps: 12-15
Progression Tips: Use heavier dumbbells and slow down the eccentric phase to increase muscle activation. You can also perform the exercise with a slight pause at the top for added intensity.

Dumbbell Hammer Floor Press: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What muscles do Dumbbell Hammer Floor Presses target?

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The Dumbbell Hammer Floor Press primarily targets the chest and triceps, with the neutral grip reducing strain on the shoulders and focusing on triceps engagement.

Is the Dumbbell Hammer Floor Press suitable for beginners?

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Yes, this exercise is beginner-friendly. The floor provides support and limits the range of motion, making it a great exercise for those looking to improve their pressing strength safely.

How often should I perform Dumbbell Hammer Floor Presses?

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Include this exercise in your upper body or chest workout routine 1-2 times per week, allowing time for recovery between sessions.

What common mistakes should I avoid?

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Avoid arching your lower back or rushing through the movement. Focus on controlling the weights throughout the entire press and maintaining proper form to prevent injury.

How can I make Dumbbell Hammer Floor Presses more challenging?

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To increase difficulty, you can add more weight, slow down the lowering phase, or add a pause at the bottom of the movement to increase time under tension and maximize muscle activation.

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