Dumbbell shoulder press
Also called dumbbell overhead press, seated dumbbell press
- Works
- Front of the shoulder · anterior deltoid
- Side of the shoulder · lateral deltoid
- Back of the upper arm · triceps brachii
- Needs
- Dumbbells
Setup
Sit on a bench with a back support, or stand with feet hip-width apart. Hold a dumbbell at each shoulder, palms facing forward.
Steps
- Tighten your stomach.
- Push the dumbbells straight up until your arms are straight.
- Lower them slowly back to your shoulders.
Breathing
Breathe in as you lower. Breathe out as you push.
Where you feel it
In your shoulders and the back of your upper arms.
Common mistakes
- Leaning back and arching the lower back.
- Lowering only halfway.
- Pushing the dumbbells forward instead of up.
When to stop
Stop if you feel sharp pain, pain in a joint, dizziness or numbness.