How to do Dumbbell Shoulder Press
Secondary muscles
How to do it
- 1
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.
- 2
Now raise the dumbbells to shoulder height one at a time using your thighs to help propel them up into position.
- 3
Make sure to rotate your wrists so that the palms of your hands are facing forward. This is your starting position.
- 4
Now, exhale and push the dumbbells upward until they touch at the top.
- 5
Then, after a brief pause at the top contracted position, slowly lower the weights back down to the starting position while inhaling.
- 6
Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
This page is general information. If you have an injury, pain or a health condition, check with a professional before doing this exercise.
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Ready-made programs with this exercise
Gyms and trainers on GamGym can import these programs as their own templates and assign them to members.
- Workout program
Full Body 3 Days (Beginner)
For new or returning gym-goers. Every session covers legs, push, pull and core with different movements on each of the three days. Sessions take 45-60 minutes.
Muscle gain · Beginner · Gym · 3 days a week · 8 weeks
- Workout program
Upper/Lower 4 Days
Two upper and two lower sessions a week, so each muscle group is trained twice. The first pair is heavier compound work, the second pair higher reps. Mon-Tue-Thu-Fri works well.
Muscle gain · Intermediate · Gym · 4 days a week · 8 weeks
- Workout program
Push/Pull/Legs 3 Days
The classic PPL compressed into three days. Each muscle group gets one well-loaded session a week. For busy members or those building up to a six-day split.
Muscle gain · Beginner · Gym · 3 days a week · 8 weeks
- Workout program
Power + Hypertrophy 5 Days
Two heavy power days (upper, lower) plus three body-part volume days. Each muscle is hit twice a week, once heavy and once for volume. For experienced members with five days available and good recovery.
Muscle gain · Advanced · Gym · 5 days a week · 12 weeks
- Workout program
Glute Focus 4 Days
Two glute-dominant lower days, one glute/hamstring volume day and one upper day. Hip thrusts and RDLs anchor the plan. The most requested layout among female members, but suitable for anyone.
Muscle gain · Intermediate · Gym · 4 days a week · 10 weeks
- Workout program
Metabolic Circuit 3 Days
Each day is a six-station circuit with short transitions and 90 seconds between rounds. Heart rate stays high while muscle is maintained. Pair with a calorie deficit for fat loss. Sessions take 35-45 minutes.
Fat loss · Intermediate · Gym · 3 days a week · 6 weeks
- Workout program
Hybrid Cardio + Strength 4 Days
Two full-body strength days, one interval day and one long steady cardio day. Builds conditioning and endurance without losing muscle. Also fits members preparing for runs or hiking events.
Endurance · Beginner · Gym · 4 days a week · 8 weeks