Exercise library
Shoulders
Dumbbell Shoulder Press
- Primary muscle
- Shoulders
- Also works
- Triceps
- Equipment
- Dumbbell
- Movement pattern
- Vertical push
- Role in a program
- Primary
How to do it
Hold a dumbbell in each hand at shoulder height with palms facing forward. Press the weights overhead until the arms extend and the dumbbells nearly touch, then lower under control. Keep the core braced and avoid arching the lower back.
Video demo coming soon.
Similar & swap-friendly exercises
Missing the equipment, or does this one aggravate something today? These also train the shoulders — pick a substitute that feels strong and pain-free. For an actual injury, get it assessed by a professional.
- Arnold PressDumbbellVertical push
- Dumbbell Front RaiseDumbbellVertical push
- Dumbbell Lateral RaiseDumbbellVertical push
- Dumbbell Upright RowDumbbellVertical push
- Seated Dumbbell Shoulder PressDumbbellVertical push
- Band Front RaiseBandVertical push
No-equipment alternatives
Training at home or on the road — bodyweight options for the shoulders: