how to get dumbbells on top of thighs for flat bench press

[hellstrum]

I prefer dumbbell flat bench press to barbell and I usually lift alone. My problem is that as I have moved to progressively heavier dumbbells I am finding it more difficult to get them on top of my thighs when I'm about to start (before I roll back onto the bench). Basically what I usually do is sit on the bench, then lift the dumbbells from the floor to my thighs. This is what is becoming a problem because its awkward and puts a lot of strain on my shoulders.

So, I'd like to know if there is a different way to do this. I don't usually pay much attention to what other people are doing in the gym, but I seem to recall seeing people start standing up, holding the dumbbells. They then kinda sit down with the dumbbells in front of their thighs to get them on top of their legs (before they roll back onto the bench). Is that technique a good idea?

The only other option I can think of is instead of a flat press doing a slight incline, since I can't lift as much that way.

Any advice is greatly appreciated!

 

[ExtraMile]

deadlift them up from the floor with them at your sides, then just rock your body forward a bit to swing them infront of your thighs while standing, then when u sit down they will be stacked ontop of your thighs...

 

[n00bster]

Just get the DBs from the rack, put them on your thighs and then kick them back into place to start pressing them. I would like to link to a video on youtube of someone doing it as I have just described but since I'm a n00b,I don't have 25+ posts and the forum wouldn't let me. To get the benefits of flat DB bench, you have to do it not incline DB press with smaller weights. If you are working with very heavy dumbbells, have someone hand them to you. You may also muster enough courage to get a spot on the flat barbell bench.

 

[gstacker]

U answered ur own question.

 

[Dial_tone]

I do DB work toward the end just to keep the weights needed down to manageable size.

 

[Jocques Straap]

It's time to move on to training other body parts if you aren't strong enough to get your flat press DB's into position.

 

[needmassnow]

The standing with the db's in front of you, then just sitting down is the best method. The only time I have difficulty is when I'm overhead db pressing, and I have trouble getting 75+ in position to press. I usually do kind of like a hang clean and press while standing, then slowly sit in the 90 degree chair with the db's raised above me head. I can only press 75+ 3-4 times anyway, but I like to go heavy at least once or twice a month. G'luck

 

[moya]

It's time to move on to training other body parts if you aren't strong enough to get your flat press DB's into position.

best answer...

 

[gstacker]

Ronnie Colman has this lil dude bring him his dumb bells and put them in position for him.

 

[hellstrum]

Thanks for the info!!! I thought I'd seen people starting by standing with the dbs at their sides and then sit -- just wanted to be sure that was ok. Like I said it's not a matter of strength but more that it hurt my shoulders. I have long arms so I had to sort of yank/curl them to get them to my thighs. Anyways, thanks again.