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Dumbbell shoulder press
beginnerdumbbellscompound exercise
Muscles worked
Primary: shoulders
Secondary: triceps
Correct technique
- 1Dumbbells at ear level, palms forward or facing each other.
- 2Brace your torso, sit with your back supported.
- 3Press up until the dumbbells almost touch overhead.
- 4Slowly lower to your ears.
Breathing: Exhale on the effort (lifting, pressing, pulling), inhale as you release.
Common mistakes
- ✕Arching the lower back.
- ✕Lowering only halfway.
Caution if you have pain
If you have pain in your shoulders, choose a gentler variation. In your custom plan we leave it out completely in that case.
Similar exercises
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