Breathing
Exhale as you pull through the working range and inhale during the controlled return. Keep the breath steady and avoid straining with a prolonged breath hold.
Getting your next view ready…
The Straight-Arm Dumbbell Pullover primarily works the chest, with the lats, shoulders and triceps supporting the movement. It is a strength movement performed with dumbbell.

1 / 2How to
Movement instructions
Place a dumbbell standing up on a flat bench.
Ensuring that the dumbbell stays securely placed at the top of the bench, lie perpendicular to the bench (torso across it as in forming a cross) with only your shoulders lying on the surface. Hips should be below the bench and legs bent with feet firmly on the floor. The head will be off the bench as well.
Grasp the dumbbell with both hands and hold it straight over your chest at arms length. Both palms should be pressing against the underside one of the sides of the dumbbell. This will be your starting position. Caution: Always ensure that the dumbbell used for this exercise is secure. Using a dumbbell with loose plates can result in the dumbbell falling apart and falling on your face.
While keeping your arms straight, lower the weight slowly in an arc behind your head while breathing in until you feel a stretch on the chest.
At that point, bring the dumbbell back to the starting position using the arc through which the weight was lowered and exhale as you perform this movement.
Hold the weight on the initial position for a second and repeat the motion for the prescribed number of repetitions.
Technique guidance
Exhale as you pull through the working range and inhale during the controlled return. Keep the breath steady and avoid straining with a prolonged breath hold.
General guidance based on the exercise and equipment. It is not personal coaching or medical advice.
Your progress
Keep the same dumbbell setup, range of motion and recording method when comparing Straight-Arm Dumbbell Pullover sessions.
Weight, repetitions and completed sets.
Example: 3 sets of 8 reps at 30 kg. Next time, record the actual result, even if it is the same.
Look for more repetitions at the same weight, or a heavier weight for comparable repetitions. Total weight lifted also changes when you add sets, so it is not a strength score.
Read the tracking guideThe examples show how to keep a record. They are not workout targets or a personalised training plan.
See how Jijibisha tracks your progressMuscles
Muscle guide
Chest is the primary muscle group. The lighter highlights show the supporting muscles involved in the movement.
Swap it
Different equipment, same muscle
These movements also target the chest using something else.
Related
Related movements
Get the app
Add it to a routine, record every completed set, and keep the workout saved on your phone even when the gym has no reception.