Lift dumbbells from shoulder level straight overhead, extending the arms to work the shoulder (deltoid) muscles.
How to do the Shoulder Press (Dumbbell)#
- Hold a dumbbell in each hand at shoulder height with elbows bent and wrists neutral.
- Brace your core and keep a tall, neutral spine whether seated or standing.
- Drive the dumbbells upward until your arms are nearly straight without locking the elbows.
- Pause briefly at the top, then lower the weights under control back to shoulder height.
- Repeat for the planned number of repetitions while maintaining steady breathing.
Muscles worked#
- Primary: Front delts, Side delts
- Secondary: Triceps, Traps
Common mistakes#
- Arching the lower back to help press the weights up.
- Using momentum or leg drive instead of pressing with the shoulders.
- Shrugging the shoulders up toward the ears at the top of the press.
- Allowing the wrists to bend instead of staying neutral.
