What does UCV stand for?

UCV stands for Upper Chest Variation. It is a specific movement popularized to target the clavicular head of the pectoralis major.

Can I perform this exercise with both arms at the same time?

It is generally performed unilaterally to allow for a better range of motion across the midline of the body. Doing it one arm at a time helps ensure the chest fibers are fully shortened.

How heavy should the dumbbells be?

This is an isolation movement that relies on tension rather than max load. Use a light to moderate weight that allows you to feel the contraction without straining your shoulder joint.

Dumbbell UCV Raise Guide | Upper Chest Isolation

Learn how to perform the DB UCV raise with proper form to target your upper chest and improve inner-pec definition using dumbbells.

How to Perform

Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and hold a dumbbell in one hand using a supinated underhand grip with your palm facing forward.
Position the dumbbell slightly to the side of your hip with a slight bend in the elbow.
Lift the weight diagonally across your body toward the opposite shoulder while maintaining the underhand hand position.
Contract your upper chest at the top of the movement when the dumbbell reaches upper-chest height near the midline of your body.
Lower the dumbbell slowly back to the starting position along the same diagonal path and repeat for the desired reps before switching arms.

Common Mistakes

Using excessive momentum or swinging the torso to lift the weight.
Allowing the elbow to bend too far, turning the move into a bicep curl.
Lifting the weight too high above the shoulder which shifts tension to the neck.

Muscles Worked

Primary movers

Upper Chest

Stabilizers

Front Deltoids
Serratus Anterior
Biceps

Related Guides

Upper Chest · Chest