Dumbbell Shoulder Press - Single Arm | Adapt to Perform
Exercises Libary

Dumbbell Shoulder Press – Single Arm

Overview

The dumbbell shoulder press is a popular strength-training exercise that primarily targets the shoulder muscles, specifically the deltoids. It is an effective compound movement that also engages various other muscles to stabilize and support the movement.

Description

This is the Dumbbell seated shoulder press - single arm

Let's get started by grabbing one dumbbell and bringing it up to shoulder height with the arm bent and your palm facing forward.

This is the starting position.

From here extend your arm overhead until it is almost locked out, or as high as you can. Keep your palm facing forward throughout the movement.

Once done, return the dumbbell back down safely to shoulder height. This is one repetition, now repeat this for the desired amount.

Once you’ve done one arm, if required in the program and you are able to do so, repeat the exercise and the repetition with the other arm.

If you find yourself tipping backwards as you raise your arm up, put the back of your chair against a wall to help prevent this.

If you have limited gripping ability try using the Active Hands Gripping Aids to make this exercise as safe as possible.

Benefits

  • Shoulder Strength: It effectively targets and strengthens the shoulder muscles, enhancing overall upper body strength.
  • Functional Movement: The exercise mimics real-life pushing motions, improving functional strength for daily activities and sports.
  • Muscle Balance: Working each arm independently with dumbbells helps promote balanced muscle development and reduces the risk of strength imbalances.

Area focus

  • Shoulders
  • Arms
  • Push

Primary muscles

  • Triceps
  • Deltoids

Secondary muscles

Exercise type

Strength