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  7. Dumbbell Incline Breeding

Exercise guide

Dumbbell Incline Breeding

  • Intermediate
  • Compound
  • Rep-based
  • Chest
  • Shoulders
  • Upper arms

The Incline Dumbbell Bench Press specifically targets the clavicular head of the pectoralis major (upper chest) and the anterior deltoids, offering a greater range of motion and improved stability compared to barbell variations.

Reviewed by the Crucible team · Updated June 2026

Watch the Dumbbell Incline Breeding demonstrationGuided video and your full workout live in the Crucible app.

Muscles worked

Primary

  • Pectorals

Secondary

  • Abs
  • Serratus anterior

Equipment

  • Dumbbell

Setup

  1. Adjust the bench to a 30 to 45-degree incline.
  2. Sit on the bench with a dumbbell in each hand, resting them on your thighs.
  3. Kick the weights up to shoulder height one at a time as you lie back, ensuring your feet are planted firmly on the floor.
  4. Retract your shoulder blades and press them firmly into the bench to create a stable base.

How to do it

  1. Exhale as you press the dumbbells upward in a slight arc until your arms are fully extended over your upper chest.
  2. Inhale as you lower the weights under control until the dumbbells are level with your mid-to-upper chest.
  3. Maintain a 45 to 60-degree angle between your elbows and your torso to protect the shoulder joints.
  4. Follow a controlled tempo, taking 2 seconds to lower the weight and 1 second to press it back up.

Form checklist

  • Keep your wrists stacked directly over your elbows throughout the entire movement.
  • Maintain a slight natural arch in your lower back while keeping your glutes in contact with the bench.
  • Do not allow the dumbbells to touch or 'clink' at the top to maintain constant tension on the muscles.
  • Ensure your shoulder blades remain retracted and do not round forward at the top of the press.

Pro tips

  • Focus on 'squeezing' your upper arms toward the center of your chest at the top of the movement for maximum pectoral recruitment.
  • Drive your feet into the floor (leg drive) to stabilize your hips and core, allowing for more power in the press.

Make it harder

  • Add a 2-second pause at the bottom of each rep to eliminate elastic momentum and increase difficulty.
  • Implement a slow 4-second eccentric (lowering) phase to maximize time under tension and muscle fiber breakdown.

Frequently asked

What muscles does the dumbbell incline breeding work?
The dumbbell incline breeding primarily targets the pectorals, and also works the abs and serratus anterior as secondary muscles.
What equipment do you need for the dumbbell incline breeding?
The dumbbell incline breeding uses dumbbell.
Is the dumbbell incline breeding good for beginners?
The dumbbell incline breeding is rated intermediate. Build a base with simpler variations first, then progress to it with light load and strict form.

Related exercises

  • Air Punches MarchBeginner · calves, pectorals, and quadriceps
  • Alternate Front Kick In Place With Arm CirclesBeginner · abs, calves, deltoids, and pectorals
  • Archer Push-UpAdvanced · pectorals
  • Aztec Push UpIntermediate · pectorals, serratus anterior, and triceps

Train this with a plan, not guesswork

Crucible builds the dumbbell incline breeding into a precise program around your body, equipment, location, and time.

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