Exercise guide
Hammer Grip Incline DB Bench Press
The Hammer-Grip Incline Dumbbell Bench Press is an incline press performed with the palms facing each other. The chest provides the main pressing effort while the shoulders and triceps assist. The neutral grip often allows the elbows to remain closer to the torso than in a palms-forward press.
Training context
What Is the Hammer-Grip Incline Press?
The neutral hand position changes the relationship between the wrists, elbows, and shoulders. Some lifters find it more comfortable than a traditional incline dumbbell press.
The source instructs the elbows to flare directly in line with the shoulders. That position may feel crowded for some lifters. Use a comfortable elbow angle rather than forcing the upper arms perpendicular to the torso.
Technique overview
Keep the palms facing each other
Set the incline bench securely and bring the dumbbells to shoulder level. Lower with the elbows following a comfortable path below the wrists, then press upward without forcing the weights together. Keep the shoulders against the bench and use the thighs to help leave the position safely.
Treat this as an overview and use a range, pace, and setup you can control.