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Last updated March 30, 2026

Shoulders
Arnold Press - Alternate (Dumbbell)
Press one dumbbell overhead while rotating your palm forward. Lower it back to the start position before lifting the other arm. Focus on smooth rotation.
Quick facts
- Level
- Intermediate
- Mechanic
- Compound
- Force
- Push
- Type
- Strength
- Injury Risk
- Moderate
- Hypertrophy
- Very High
- Calorie Burn
- Medium
Muscle focus
Primary and secondary muscle groups targeted by this movement.
Primary
Front Shoulders
Secondary
Triceps
Equipment & setup
What you need and how to position yourself before starting.
Equipment
DumbbellFlat Bench / Sofa
Movement pattern
Alternate
Posture
Seated
Tracking parameters
repsweight
Step-by-step instructions
Follow these cues to master proper technique and stay safe through every rep.
- Step 1Setup
- Sit on a bench with back support or stand upright with your feet shoulder-width apart.
- Hold a dumbbell in each hand at shoulder height with your palms facing your body.
- Step 2Position Your Arms
- Ensure your elbows are bent and your arms are at a 90-degree angle.
- Your palms should be facing your body, and your wrists should be straight.
- Step 3Engage Your Core
- Tighten your core muscles to stabilize your body during the movement.
- Keep your back straight and avoid arching it.
- Step 4Press the Dumbbells
- Rotate your palms outward as you press the dumbbells overhead.
- Extend your arms fully while keeping a slight bend in your elbows at the top.
- Step 5Lower the Dumbbells
- Reverse the motion by lowering the dumbbells back to shoulder height.
- Rotate your palms back to face your body as you lower the weights.
- Step 6Alternate Arms
- After lowering the dumbbells, press one dumbbell overhead while keeping the other at shoulder height.
- Alternate between arms for each repetition.
- Step 7Finish the Exercise
- After completing your desired number of reps, carefully lower the dumbbells to your thighs.
- Stand up straight or remain seated while placing the dumbbells down safely.
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