Close-Grip Dumbbell Press alternatives
If the Close-Grip Dumbbell Press isn't happening today — the equipment is taken, you don't have it, or the movement doesn't feel right — here are 8 substitutes for the same job, each with what changes.
Which one when
- You need different equipment. For the same job — Machines and cables: Smith Machine Close-Grip Bench Press, Cable Lying Triceps Extension; Barbell: JM Press, Close-Grip Bench Press, Tate Press, Close-Grip EZ-Bar Press, Reverse-Grip Triceps Bench Press.
- Same equipment, different angle or grip. If the movement feels off but the equipment is there — Lying Dumbbell Triceps Extension.
- It hurts. If it's uncomfortable, try a substitute with a different grip or a machine and go lighter. Sharp pain, or pain that doesn't go away, is a reason to see a doctor, not to search for a substitute on a list.
1Smith Machine Close-Grip Bench Press
- Different equipment: Machines and cables instead of Dumbbells.
- Same muscle: Triceps.
- Different equipment: Barbell instead of Dumbbells.
- Same muscle: Triceps.
- An isolation move: one joint works, so it's easier to finish the muscle off.
- A higher entry bar: 3 of 3 versus 1 — start light.
- Different equipment: Barbell instead of Dumbbells.
- Same muscle: Triceps.
- A higher entry bar: 2 of 3 versus 1 — start light.
4Tate Press
- Different equipment: Barbell instead of Dumbbells.
- Same muscle: Triceps.
- An isolation move: one joint works, so it's easier to finish the muscle off.
- Equipment: Dumbbells.
- Same muscle: Triceps.
- An isolation move: one joint works, so it's easier to finish the muscle off.
- Same entry bar: 1 of 3.
6Close-Grip EZ-Bar Press
- Different equipment: Barbell instead of Dumbbells.
- Same muscle: Triceps.
7Cable Lying Triceps Extension
- Different equipment: Machines and cables instead of Dumbbells.
- Same muscle: Triceps.
8Reverse-Grip Triceps Bench Press
- Different equipment: Barbell instead of Dumbbells.
- Same muscle: Triceps.
These are the same substitutes I show in the bot under "Alternatives", plus catalog exercises for the same muscle and movement. Difficulty is shown where I've broken the exercise down on its own page.
Swapping in the diary
In the bot, substitutes live on the exercise card: Exercises → the exercise → Alternatives. If one isn't in your list yet, I'll add it with one tap. A substitute keeps its own history and records — I don't mix them with the main exercise, so progress on each stays honest.
Log the substitute as its own exercise — I'll remember the weight and reps and give you a target next time.
Prefer Telegram? Open the bot — same diary.
Read next
Position photos from the open free-exercise-db.