Bench Lengthwise Dumbbell Pullover
Also known as: lying dumbbell pullover
In SetGrip: Dumbbell Pullover (Bench Lengthwise)
Lying along the length of the bench with your whole spine supported removes the hip-drop trick the across-bench setup invites, so the range stays honest and the pecs do the pulling. It gives up the deep ribcage-over-the-edge stretch in exchange for stricter, more repeatable reps.
How to do the Bench Lengthwise Dumbbell Pullover
- Lie flat on a bench with your head at one end and your feet firmly on the ground.
- Hold a dumbbell with both hands and extend your arms straight above your chest.
- Keeping your arms straight, slowly lower the dumbbell behind your head in an arc motion.
- Pause for a moment at the bottom, then raise the dumbbell back to the starting position.
- Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.
Tip: Breathe in deeply as you lower and let the ribcage expand before pulling back over.
Muscles worked
Primary
Pectorals · Chest
The pecs assist from the stretched position and do more of the work on straight arm variations with the arms wide.
Common mistakes
- Elbows bending as you lower — set the elbow angle at the start and keep it fixed, otherwise the triceps take over.
- Arching to get lower — let the shoulders open and the ribs stay down; the stretch should come from the lats and chest, not the spine.
- Pulling too far over — stop when the arms are vertical over the chest, since past that the tension is gone.
- Rushing the stretch — lower slowly over three seconds and pause at the bottom before pulling back.
Sets, reps and where it fits
| Goal | Sets × reps | Rest |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | 4–5 × 3–6 | 2–3 min |
| Muscle growth | 3–4 × 6–12 | 90–120 s |
| Endurance | 2–3 × 12–20 | 60 s |
Pullovers go late in a chest or back session as an isolation movement. Superset them with dumbbell flies on the same bench or with a straight arm pulldown.
Variations and alternatives
Similar exercises
Without dumbbell
Easier and harder
Frequently asked questions
What muscles does the Bench Lengthwise Dumbbell Pullover work?
The Bench Lengthwise Dumbbell Pullover primarily works the pectorals. It also involves the triceps and lats, which assist the movement and stabilise the joints.
Is the Bench Lengthwise Dumbbell Pullover good for beginners?
It is rated intermediate, so it suits people who already train regularly. Beginners can still do the Bench Lengthwise Dumbbell Pullover with light load and a spotter or coach watching the first few sessions; if it feels awkward, pick an easier variation from the alternatives below first.
What can I do instead of the Bench Lengthwise Dumbbell Pullover?
If you cannot do the Bench Lengthwise Dumbbell Pullover, try the Dumbbell Pullover, the Stability Ball Dumbbell Pullover or the Straight Arm Dumbbell Pullover. Each of them trains the pectorals through a similar movement, so you can swap them in without changing the rest of the workout.
How many sets and reps should I do?
It depends on your goal. For the Bench Lengthwise Dumbbell Pullover, a sensible starting point is strength: 4–5 × 3–6 with 2–3 min rest; muscle growth: 3–4 × 6–12 with 90–120 s rest; endurance: 2–3 × 12–20 with 60 s rest. Put it early in the session while you are fresh, before isolation work for the same muscles.
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