Elbows flare perpendicular to torso
Wide elbows shift tension from upper pec to anterior deltoid and stress the shoulder joint.
Overactive muscles
Anterior deltoidPec minor
Corrective work
Foam RollPec minor↗StretchDoorway pec stretch↗Push · Upper Body
DB Incline Bench Press
Coaching cues
- Set bench to 30-45°; lie back with dumbbells at chest level
- Press straight up — dumbbells converge slightly at top without touching
- Lower with control to stretch position; elbows at 60° not flared wide
- Keep shoulder blades retracted against the pad throughout
Common faults 3
Dumbbells drift over face at top
Bar path arcs toward the head instead of tracking over the upper chest, loading the shoulder.
Overactive muscles
Anterior deltoidUpper trapezius
Corrective work
Foam RollAnterior shoulder↗StretchDoorway pec stretch↗Low back arches off pad
Lumbar hyperextension substitutes for proper scapular depression, stressing the spine.
Overactive muscles
Hip flexor complexErector spinae
Corrective work
Foam RollHip flexors↗StretchKneeling hip flexor stretch↗