Exercise library · Shoulders

How to Do Standing Dumbbell Press

Step-by-step instructions, muscles worked and workouts that use the standing dumbbell press.

How to do it

1. Standing with your feet shoulder width apart, take a dumbbell in each hand. Raise the dumbbells to head height, the elbows out and about 90 degrees. This will be your starting position.
2. Maintaining strict technique with no leg drive or leaning back, extend through the elbow to raise the weights together directly above your head.
3. Pause, and slowly return the weight to the starting position.

Form tips

• Start light and own the movement before adding weight.
• Control the lowering phase — don't drop into it.
• Keep breathing; exhale on the hardest part.
• Stop if you feel sharp pain (different from muscle burn).

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Gear for this exercise

Adjustable dumbbellsA full home gym in one small space.See it on Amazon →Adjustable workout benchUnlocks presses, rows and step-ups at home.See it on Amazon →

Exercise photos and instructions: free-exercise-db (public domain). Animation made from the real start and end photos.