20 Second Form Fix: DB Bench Press
June 25, 2026If your elbows flare straight out to the sides when you press, you are likely putting your shoulders in a worse position and taking tension off the chest. Instead, think about the dumbbells following the sides of a triangle: wider at the bottom, slightly in at the top.
Aim for about a 45 degree angle with your arms. This will protect your shoulders in the process and keep them healthy so that you can keep bench pressing over time.
At the bottom of each rep, you want to target the touch point. Bring the dumbbells down toward the outer line of your lower chest. This will make sure you are getting low enough to put stretch tension on the pecs at the bottom of the range of motion.
Follow this quick form fix so can you keep the press stronger, safer, and more effective for building your chest.
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Jeff Cavaliere MSPT, CSCS served as both the head physical therapist and assistant strength coach for the New York Mets. Jeff earned his Masters of Physical Therapy and Bachelor’s of Physioneurobiology from the College of Health Sciences University of Connecticut Storrs. He is a certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).
