Dumbbell Larsen Press
Level up your chest day! The Dumbbell Larsen Press builds serious upper body strength with a stable, core-engaging variation.
The Dumbbell Larsen Press is a compound exercise that mainly works the chest and triceps, with help from the shoulders. You'll need: exercise bench or dumbbells.
Required Equipment
Dumbbell Larsen Press Muscles Worked
Primary
Chest (pectoralis major, sternal head); Triceps (triceps brachii)
Secondary
Front Shoulder (anterior deltoid)
Dumbbell Larsen Press Variations and Alternatives
How to do the Dumbbell Larsen Press
Lie flat on your back on a bench with a dumbbell in each hand.
Begin with the dumbbells at chest level, palms facing forward, and your legs extended straight out on the bench – this is the Larsen variation, which involves having your feet up rather than planted on the floor.
Brace your core and press the dumbbells upward until your arms are fully extended.
Hold the contraction at the top for a brief pause.
Slowly lower the dumbbells back to the starting position at your chest.
Perform the desired number of reps, maintaining good form throughout the set.
Remember to keep your movements controlled and always use a weight that is manageable for your strength level to maintain proper form and reduce the risk of injury.
Dumbbell Larsen Press FAQs
What muscles does the Dumbbell Larsen Press work?
The Dumbbell Larsen Press mainly works the chest and triceps, with help from the shoulders. The main muscles are the pectoralis major and triceps brachii.
What equipment do you need for the Dumbbell Larsen Press?
Exercise bench or dumbbells.
Is the Dumbbell Larsen Press a compound exercise?
Yes. It's a compound movement, meaning it trains several muscle groups at once rather than isolating one.
What workout day should the Dumbbell Larsen Press go on?
It belongs on push day in a push/pull/legs routine.
What are some Dumbbell Larsen Press variations and alternatives?
Similar exercises include the Barbell Close-Grip Larsen Press, Barbell Larsen Bench Press, Dumbbell Floor Lying Straight-Arm Press and Dumbbell Floor Lying Hammer Press.
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