bench press with dumbbells

[janeybz]

Hi! I was doing bench presses with dumb bells this morning and found that my upper arms were really getting tired instead of my chest. What do you think I am doing wrong? When I did pec flies, I felt it in my chest like I should. Suggestions?

Thanks ,
Jane

 

[trevor]

Hi Jane,
It sounds to me like you may need to hold them out wider. Generally, as you move your hands closer together on the bench press, it tends to hit the triceps more than the chest. So try moving the dumbbells out wider. Also I have noticed if the weight is too heavy for me I tend to "cheat" by moving the dumbbells in closer and thus not hitting the chest muscle properly.
Trevor

 

[janeybz]

Thanks. I kind of felt like I must be cheating somehow!

 

[jazz]

I only use dumbells. Make sure that the dumbells are directly over your chest - Cathe gives this guideline in one of her workouts - can't remember which one at the moment - I think maybe MIS?

I also feel it in my arms but it is true, if the weight is too heavy you will feel it mostly in the arms - drop down 1/2 to 1lb and see how that feels.

 

[scm]

In Power Hour, Cathe says keep your arms out so it looks like a football goal post.
Susan C.M.