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Last updated March 30, 2026
Shoulders
Overhead Press - Standing (Dumbbell)
Stand with feet shoulder-width apart. Press dumbbells from shoulders to overhead. Keep your glutes squeezed and core tight to avoid arching your back.
Quick facts
- Level
- Intermediate
- Mechanic
- Compound
- Force
- Push
- Type
- Strength
- Injury Risk
- Low
- Hypertrophy
- Very High
- Calorie Burn
- Medium-High
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
Dumbbell
Movement pattern
Bilateral
Posture
Standing
Tracking parameters
repsweight
Step-by-step instructions
Follow these cues to master proper technique and stay safe through every rep.
- Step 1Setup
- Stand upright with your feet shoulder-width apart, holding a dumbbell in each hand at shoulder height.
- Ensure your palms are facing forward and your elbows are tucked close to your body.
- Step 2Position Your Body
- Engage your core and keep your back straight throughout the movement.
- Stand tall with your chest up and shoulders back.
- Step 3Lift the Dumbbells
- Press the dumbbells overhead by extending your arms fully while keeping your elbows slightly in front of your body.
- Make sure to keep your wrists straight and aligned with your forearms.
- Step 4Hold the Position
- At the top of the movement, pause for a moment to ensure stability.
- Your arms should be fully extended, and the dumbbells should be directly above your shoulders.
- Step 5Lower the Dumbbells
- Slowly lower the dumbbells back to shoulder height, maintaining control throughout the movement.
- Keep your elbows close to your body as you lower the weights.
- Step 6Repeat
- Perform the desired number of repetitions, ensuring you maintain proper form with each rep.
- Step 7Finish the Exercise
- After completing your reps, carefully lower the dumbbells to your sides.
- Stand tall and take a moment to regain your balance before moving on.
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