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Balance Trainer Dumbbell Chest Press

Intermediate
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Dumbbell chest press on an unstable balance trainer that targets chest, shoulders, and triceps while engaging core stabilizers; builds upper body strength, balance, and control.

About Exercise

Equipment

Balance Trainer, Dumbbells

Difficulty

4/5 • Intermediate

Primary Muscle Groups

Chest

Secondary Muscles

Abs, Glutes

Popularity Score

5

Goals

Strength
Hypertrophy
Stability

Training Style

Functional Training
Balance Training

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Small

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Chest

10/10

Mid Chest

Triceps

7/10

Lateral Head

Shoulders

6/10

Anterior Delts

Abs

5/10

Rectus Abdominis, Transverse Abdominis

Glutes

4/10

Glute Max

Programming

Typical Rep Range

8-15 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-90 seconds

How to Perform

Place balance trainer dome-up on a stable surface. Sit with lower back against dome, hold dumbbells on thighs, then lie back until upper back and head are supported, feet flat hip-width apart, knees bent.

  1. Position dumbbells at chest level with elbows bent at 45 degrees to torso.
  2. Press dumbbells upward over chest, extending arms without locking elbows.
  3. Squeeze chest at the top.
  4. Lower dumbbells slowly to starting position with control.
  5. Maintain core engagement throughout.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Engage core fully
  • Squeeze chest hard
  • Elbows at 45 degrees
  • Shoulders retracted
  • Controlled descent

Breathing

Inhale as you lower the dumbbells; exhale and brace core as you press up.

Tempo

3-1-2

Range of Motion

Lower until elbows are at torso level with a chest stretch; press to full arm extension above chest without elbow lockout.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Start with light weights to master stability
  • Avoid if acute back issues present
  • Keep movements controlled to prevent falls
  • Ensure non-slip surface under trainer
  • Consult professional for injuries

Spotting

For heavy sets, have spotter assist at wrists during ascent and descent; use safeties if available.

Common Mistakes

  • Flaring elbows wide
  • Excessive lower back arch
  • Dropping weights quickly
  • Poor wrist alignment
  • Allowing dumbbells to collide

When to Avoid

  • Acute shoulder impingement
  • Lower back injuries
  • Balance disorders

Flexibility Needed

  • Adequate shoulder flexion
  • Core stability for balance

Build Up First

  • Master basic dumbbell chest press form
  • Comfort with unstable surfaces

Also known as

BOSU Dumbbell Chest Press, Stability Dumbbell Press, Unstable Chest Press

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