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Dumbbell pullover

Dumbbell pullover: written movement steps, equipment and example doses. General information to help you choose an appropriate starting point.

By Shift Some Timber editorial team · Published · Updated 2 November 2026

Dumbbell pullover: approved canonical movement visual

How to do it

  1. Lie supported holding weight above chest.
  2. Lower weight behind head through comfortable range. Keep ribs down and elbows softly bent. Bring the weight back above your chest along the same arc.
  3. 2 sets × 5 reps; 75s rest between sets. Use light resistance or an easy supported setup. Practise the same controlled path on every repetition. Finish with at least 2 comfortable repetitions in reserve. Keep ribs down and elbows softly bent. Count one complete outward-and-return movement as one repetition; for alternating limbs, each individual limb action counts once.

Equipment

Example variations

The written steps above use one library example. These other doses are separate options, not instructions to complete every variation or progress automatically.

LevelExample doseEquipment
intermediate2 sets × 5 reps; 75s rest between sets.dumbbells, full gym
intermediate2 sets × 8 reps; 75s rest between sets.dumbbells, full gym
intermediate3 sets × 8 reps; 90s rest between sets.dumbbells, full gym
intermediate2 sets × 12 reps; 90s rest between sets.dumbbells, full gym
intermediate2 sets × 6 reps; 90s rest between sets.dumbbells, full gym
intermediate1 set × 8 reps.dumbbells, full gym

Safety and comfort

General movement information, not an individual exercise prescription. Independent trainer or clinical review is not claimed. Use appropriate support and seek individual advice for an injury or restriction.