DB press kicks ass. I think this is common knowledge on this board. However, I have a problem: I am moving up in weight, but having a hard time getting the heavier dumbells in position to lift. Today I did 65 pounders and the fvckers almost knocked me over, even though I was able to do 6 reps. I've thought about this, and come up with a few possible reasons/solutions:

1. My form sucks, and I should be using smaller weights. I noticed that when I put the weights closer together, it was much harder. However, wouldn't that make it more of a tricep exercise?

2. I should get a spotter.

3. There's a better way to get the dumbells in position that I don't know of.

4. I need time to get my other main lifts up (my workout neglected squats and deadlift for a long time. I know, I suck.)

Has anyone else experienced this??

DB press, you're on your back. Getting "knocked over" shouldnt really be a problem.

1. When I do DB presses, I bring it out wide, so that the weights are on the same level at the front delts (you probably will feel the stretch), and then i press them up to where the ALMOST touch in the middle. If YOU feel that your form is suffering, then I would suggest lowering the weight about 5-10lbs and working on it from there.

2. Yes. All they have to do is keep their hands in the MIDDLE (inside of the dumbells) so that if you drop them, they fall AWAY from your body and not on your face.

3. Place the DBs on your knees, "kick" them up. This is pretty effective if doing shoulder presses or INCLINE DB presses, however I rarely did flat DB presses, so I cannot accurately inform you on that aspect.

4. Do it.

Thanks for the advice, especially about getting the dumbells in position. I was bringing them up from a standing position, kind of like a hammer curl, then lowering myself onto the bench. The problem was with the heavier dumbbells I couldn't get the weight all the way up, so I'd kind of awkwardly bring them up while I fell down in the bench. Believe me, it wasn't too pretty, and probably not too safe either. I'll definitely try out your suggestion.

Unregistered said:

I noticed that when I put the weights closer together, it was much harder. However, wouldn't that make it more of a tricep exercise?

Click to expand...

No one actually answered this one i don't think so i guess i will.

Yea, that's why it's harder. Don't do it.

Why would you think your form sucks because it's hard for you to get the weight up? You said you can lift them just fine once you get them into position...