Dumbbell Bench Press Form

[linkenlogs]

When I Dumbbell Bench press i tend to turn my elbows in and hold the dumbbells at a slight angle. Looking at some technique vids i see that most people hold them straight and lower them with their elbows at 90 degrees to their sides. Is my form detrimental to muscle growth in my chest? I know that it may reduce the use of the shoulders but im not as worried about that. Any help is appreciated. Thanks

[Jack_Lupino]

When I Dumbbell Bench press i tend to turn my elbows in and hold the dumbbells at a slight angle. Looking at some technique vids i see that most people hold them straight and lower them with their elbows at 90 degrees to their sides. Is my form detrimental to muscle growth in my chest? I know that it may reduce the use of the shoulders but im not as worried about that. Any help is appreciated. Thanks

what would be most detrimental is to work at an angle or in a range of motion that feels unnatural or uncomfortable to you and leads to pain. (the bad kind) would you rather have more muscle accompanied by joint and tendon problems?

ideally one would hit things from multiple angles to make sure their recruiting as many fibers as possible... if you find that a particular angle is more challenging, seek the reason why. perhaps there's a lack of flexibility in the protagonist, a lack of strength in the antagonist or both.

but imo trying to stay locked into a straight line with db exercises kinda defeats the purpose of using them in the first place. i find that i get more pec involvement by using the natural angle versus the heavy anterior delt work i get out of barbell use.

[DJAuto]

I also keep a slight angle. I have yet to see adverse results from this.

[derekk1]

well the elbows should be tucked in during bench. i try keeping mine at about a 45 degree angle.

[kevjjohnson]

what would be most detrimental is to work at an angle or in a range of motion that feels unnatural or uncomfortable to you and leads to pain. (the bad kind) would you rather have more muscle accompanied by joint and tendon problems?

ideally one would hit things from multiple angles to make sure their recruiting as many fibers as possible... if you find that a particular angle is more challenging, seek the reason why. perhaps there's a lack of flexibility in the protagonist, a lack of strength in the antagonist or both.

but imo trying to stay locked into a straight line with db exercises kinda defeats the purpose of using them in the first place. i find that i get more pec involvement by using the natural angle versus the heavy anterior delt work i get out of barbell use.

Reps

I like to switch up angles that I use just to throw in some variety. As long as it's comfortable I think it helps to keep changing small things here and there.

[x0rcist]

Give them all a shot and use whichever method you feel the most in your chest.

I like approximately a 45 degree angle, palms facing my body and then turning my palms away from my head as I push out.