Exercise of the Day: Incline Dumbbell Press

Primary Muscles

Upper chest (clavicular pec)

Secondary: front delts, triceps

Why This Exercise Matters

The incline dumbbell press is one of the most effective movements for building upper-chest thickness and shape. The incline angle shifts emphasis away from the mid-chest and places consistent tension on the clavicular fibers, which are often underdeveloped in most lifters.

Dumbbells allow a greater range of motion, independent arm control, and a more natural pressing path compared to barbells—making this movement both highly effective and joint-friendly.

Key Benefits

• Targets the upper chest more directly than flat pressing

• Improves left-to-right strength and size balance

• Allows deeper stretch and stronger peak contraction

• Reduces shoulder stress through natural arm positioning

• Transfers well to overall push-day strength

Execution Cues

Bench angle: 30–45 degrees

Start with dumbbells at upper-chest level

Elbows slightly tucked (about 45° from the torso)

Press upward and slightly back

Lower slowly with control and maintain tension