Dumbbell Shoulder Press: How to Do It, Muscles Worked & Form Tips

Muscle group: Shoulders
Primary muscles: Shoulders
Secondary muscles: Triceps
Equipment: Dumbbell
Type: Compound
Level: Intermediate

Video: “How to Do a Dumbbell Shoulder Press” by LIVESTRONG on YouTube.

How to do the Dumbbell Shoulder Press

While holding a dumbbell in each hand, sit on a military press bench or utility bench that has back support. Place the dumbbells upright on top of your thighs.
Now raise the dumbbells to shoulder height one at a time using your thighs to help propel them up into position.
Make sure to rotate your wrists so that the palms of your hands are facing forward. This is your starting position.
Now, exhale and push the dumbbells upward until they touch at the top.
Then, after a brief pause at the top contracted position, slowly lower the weights back down to the starting position while inhaling.
Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

Muscles worked

The Dumbbell Shoulder Press mainly works your shoulders, with help from your triceps.

Dumbbell Shoulder Press start and finish positions

Dumbbell Shoulder Press: Starting position — Starting position

Dumbbell Shoulder Press: Ending position — Ending position

Track your Dumbbell Shoulder Press progress

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