Seated dumbbell shoulder press
Front and middle deltoids, triceps.
How to do it
- Set the bench almost upright (80-90°) and sit with your back supported.
- Bring the dumbbells to shoulder height, palms facing forward, elbows slightly forward.
- Press up until your arms are almost straight, bringing the dumbbells closer together.
- Lower under control until the dumbbells are at ear level or a little lower.
Cues
- Back against the backrest from top to bottom.
- Ribs closed: the backrest isn't there for you to arch against.
- Elbows slightly in front of your body, not fully flared.
Common mistakes
- Arching your lower back away from the backrest.
- Clanging the dumbbells together at the top.
- Not lowering far enough.
A good alternative to the overhead press if you struggle not to arch your back: the backrest helps. The weight logged is per dumbbell.
Photos: free-exercise-db (public domain).
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