1Lie down on a flat bench with a dumbbell in one hand resting on top of your thigh. The palm of your hand with the dumbbell in it should be at a neutral grip.
2By using your thighs to help you get the dumbbell up, clean the dumbbell so that you can hold it in front of you with your lifting arm being fully extended. Remember to maintain a neutral grip with this exercise. Your non lifting hand should be to the side holding the flat bench for better support. This will be your starting position.
3Your arm with the weight should have a slight bend on your elbow in order to prevent stress at the biceps tendon. Begin by lowering your arm with the weight in it out in a wide arc until you feel a stretch on your chest. Breathe in as you perform this portion of the movement. Tip: Keep in mind that throughout the movement, your lifting arm should remain stationary; the movement should only occur at the shoulder joint.
4Return your lifting arm back to the starting position as you squeeze your chest muscles and breathe out. Tip: Make sure to use the same arc of motion used to lower the weights.
5Hold for a second at the contracted position and repeat the movement for the prescribed amount of repetitions.
6Switch arms and repeat the exercise.
Video Tutorial
Tips & Common Mistakes
•Focus on controlled movements rather than speed or momentum
•Maintain proper breathing - exhale during the exertion phase
•Start with lighter weight to master the form before progressing
•This is a great exercise for beginners - focus on form over reps
