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Last updated March 30, 2026
LatsLower BackTeres MajorTrapezius
Pullover (Dumbbell)
Lie across a bench with only your upper back supported. Lower a dumbbell behind your head with bent elbows. Pull it back over your chest to stretch the lats.
Quick facts
- Level
- Intermediate
- Mechanic
- Isolation
- Force
- Pull
- Type
- Strength
- Injury Risk
- Moderate
- Hypertrophy
- Medium
- Calorie Burn
- Medium
Muscle focus
Primary and secondary muscle groups targeted by this movement.
Primary
Lats
Secondary
Chest
Equipment & setup
What you need and how to position yourself before starting.
Equipment
DumbbellFlat Bench / Sofa
Movement pattern
Bilateral
Posture
Lying
Tracking parameters
repsweight
Step-by-step instructions
Follow these cues to master proper technique and stay safe through every rep.
- Step 1Setup
- Lie on a flat bench with your upper back and shoulders supported, and your feet flat on the floor.
- Hold a dumbbell with both hands above your chest, arms extended but not locked.
- Step 2Position the Dumbbell
- Ensure that your grip is firm, with your palms facing each other or one palm facing the dumbbell's end.
- Keep your elbows slightly bent throughout the movement to avoid strain.
- Step 3Engage Your Core
- Engage your core muscles to stabilize your body during the exercise.
- Keep your back flat against the bench to prevent arching.
- Step 4Lower the Dumbbell
- Slowly lower the dumbbell in an arc behind your head, keeping your elbows slightly bent.
- Lower it until you feel a stretch in your chest and lats, but do not go too far to avoid injury.
- Step 5Lift the Dumbbell
- Reverse the motion by bringing the dumbbell back to the starting position above your chest.
- Focus on using your lats and chest to lift the weight, maintaining control throughout the movement.
- Step 6Repeat
- Perform the desired number of repetitions, ensuring your form remains consistent with each rep.
- Step 7Finish the Exercise
- After completing your reps, carefully lower the dumbbell to your chest before sitting up.
- Once seated, place the dumbbell safely on the floor or a rack.
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