Arms, chest & shoulders

Dumbbell shoulder press

Pressing dumbbells overhead — strengthens shoulders and arms for lifting things onto high shelves.

Beginner Low impact Dumbbells
Movement diagram for Dumbbell shoulder press: hands at shoulders to standing, arms overhead
Original diagram — start and finish positions.

How to do it

  1. Stand or sit tall holding a dumbbell in each hand at shoulder height, palms facing forward or towards each other.
  2. Brace your tummy and keep your ribs down.
  3. Press the weights up until your arms are straight overhead.
  4. Lower slowly back to your shoulders.

Form tips

  • Keep your wrists stacked over your elbows.
  • Avoid leaning back — sit if you find yourself arching.

Common mistakes

  • Arching the lower back.
  • Shrugging the shoulders up to the ears.

Easier and harder

Make it easier

Use lighter weights, sit on a chair, or press one arm at a time.

Make it harder

Use heavier weights, or stand on one leg.

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