Exercise · shoulders
Dumbbell Shoulder Press
A shoulder builder with a natural range of motion and independent arm work.
Primary muscle
shoulders
Equipment
dumbbell
Difficulty
beginner
Sets and reps
3-4 sets of 8-12 reps
How to perform
- 1Sit with back support and a dumbbell in each hand at shoulder height.
- 2Keep your wrists stacked over your elbows.
- 3Press the dumbbells overhead until your arms are nearly extended.
- 4Lower under control back to shoulder level.
Common mistakes
Arching the lower back excessively.
Clashing the dumbbells together at the top.
Lowering too far and over-stretching the shoulder.
Muscles worked
Primary: shoulders. This movement also recruits the triceps as supporting muscles.