Dumbbell Shoulder Press Exercise Guide
Reviewed by
Valerie Zeller
Printable version
Dumbbell Shoulder Press is a strength exercise that works your traps, deltoids and front deltoids.
Dumbbell Shoulder Press is a great simple move. When done correctly, it can effectively target your neck, shoulders, upper back and upper body.
It requires dumbbells to do.
How to do Dumbbell Shoulder Press
Setup
Place dumbbells on either side of shoulders with elbows below wrists.
Exercise
Press dumbbells upward until arms are extended overhead. Lower to sides of shoulders and repeat.
Tips
See suggested mount and dismount when using heavy dumbbells.
Illustrated Guide
Learn how to do dumbbell shoulder press from this step-by-step illustrations:
Muscles Worked
The muscles used for dumbbell shoulder press may change slightly based on the your trained range of motion and technique, but in the most general case, the muscles used for dumbbell shoulder press are:
Primary Muscles
- Traps
- Deltoids
- Front Deltoids
Synergyst Muscles
- Triceps
- Pecs
- Rear Deltoids
Frequently Asked Questions
Training, Progressions and Regressions
Interested in how to improve your Dumbbell Shoulder Press faster?
Dumbbell Shoulder Press Training and Progressions
Standards and Averages
Wonder how do others perform in Dumbbell Shoulder Press and how should you?
Dumbbell Shoulder Press Standards and Averages
Alternatives
Wonder how to work the same muscles with other exercises?
Dumbbell Shoulder Press Alternatives
Variations
Wonder how to make Dumbbell Shoulder Press either easier or more challenging?
Dumbbell Shoulder Press Variations
Discover more
Classification
| Type(s) | Strength, Compound |
| Muscles Worked | Trapezius, Triceps Brachii, Deltoids, Pectorals, Lateral Deltoids, Anterior Deltoids |
| Difficulty Level(s) | Simple |
| Equipment | Dumbbells |
| Location | At Gym, At Home, Outdoor |
| Major Exercise | Barbell Military Press |
Muscles Worked
| Target muscle(s) | Traps, Deltoids, Front Deltoids |
| Synergyst muscle(s) | Triceps, Pecs, Rear Deltoids |
