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Dumbbell Floor Press with Elevated Feet

Beginner
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Dumbbell press from the floor with feet elevated on a box targets chest, triceps, and anterior deltoids to build lockout strength and hypertrophy; reduces shoulder strain for safer pressing.

About Exercise

Equipment

Dumbbells, Plyometric Box

Difficulty

2/5 • Beginner

Primary Muscle Groups

Chest, Triceps

Secondary Muscles

Abs

Popularity Score

6

Goals

Strength
Hypertrophy

Training Style

Bodybuilding
Functional Training

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Small

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Chest

9/10

Lower Chest

Triceps

8/10

Long Head, Lateral Head, Medial Head

Shoulders

6/10

Anterior Delts

Abs

4/10
Programming

Typical Rep Range

8-12 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-90 seconds

How to Perform

Lie flat on the floor with heels on a sturdy box or bench, knees bent at 90 degrees, core engaged. Hold dumbbells above your chest with elbows resting on the floor at 45 degrees.

  1. Press dumbbells straight up by extending elbows and squeezing chest.
  2. Fully extend arms without locking elbows.
  3. Lower dumbbells slowly until upper arms touch the floor.
  4. Pause briefly at the bottom.
  5. Repeat for desired reps, maintaining core tension.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Tuck elbows at 45 degrees
  • Squeeze chest at top
  • Brace core throughout
  • Keep wrists neutral

Breathing

Inhale as you lower the dumbbells, exhale forcefully as you press up while bracing your core.

Tempo

3-1-1

Range of Motion

Lower until upper arms contact floor; press until arms are nearly straight above chest.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Use spotter for heavy sets
  • Avoid if acute shoulder pain
  • Start with light weights to master form
  • Ensure elevated surface is stable

Spotting

Spotter stands at head of lifter to assist with handing dumbbells and support at chest level if failure occurs; not required for moderate weights.

Common Mistakes

  • Flaring elbows wide
  • Arching lower back
  • Bouncing elbows off floor
  • Letting feet slip

When to Avoid

  • Acute shoulder impingement
  • Lower back injuries

Flexibility Needed

  • Adequate shoulder flexion
  • Hip and ankle mobility for foot elevation

Build Up First

  • Master basic dumbbell bench press form
  • Core stability competency

Also known as

Feet Elevated Dumbbell Floor Press, Decline Dumbbell Floor Press, Elevated Feet DB Floor Press

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