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Exercise Guide
How to do dumbbell arnold press
Master the setup, range of motion, and tempo for safer, more effective reps.
Named after the legendary Arnold Schwarzenegger, the Arnold press is a comprehensive shoulder exercise that involves a rotational movement. Starting with palms facing you and rotating them outward as you press upward, this variation engages all three heads of the deltoids. It effectively improves shoulder mobility, strength, and stability, making it a staple for anyone looking to build well-rounded, powerful shoulders.
Stats
TIER
3
DIFFICULTY
Untrained to Advanced
EQUIPMENT
Bench, Dumbbell
TARGET MUSCLES
Front Shoulder, Rear Shoulder, Lateral Shoulder, Triceps
Instructions for Proper Form
Setup:
- Seated Position: Sit on a bench with back support, holding a dumbbell in each hand.
- Dumbbell Starting Position: Start with the dumbbells in front of your shoulders, palms facing you, and elbows bent. The dumbbells should be close to your body, almost like the top of a bicep curl.
The Lift:
- Press Upward & Rotate: As you exhale, press the dumbbells up and out, rotating your palms so they face forward as the dumbbells reach the top of the movement.
- Full Extension: Continue pressing until your arms are straight overhead, but avoid locking your elbows.
- Lower with Control: Inhale and slowly lower the dumbbells back down to the starting position, rotating your hands so your palms are facing you again.
Tips:
- Controlled Movement: Avoid using momentum. Maintain control of the dumbbells throughout the entire exercise.
- Elbow Position: Keep your elbows slightly in front of your body during the upward and downward phases.
- Range of Motion: If you feel any discomfort in your shoulders, reduce the range of motion by not lowering the dumbbells all the way down.
- Variation: You can perform this exercise standing for increased core engagement.
Common mistakes: Rushing the rotation phase, failing to lock out at the top, and allowing the lower back to arch due to lack of core engagement.
Alternatives
Cable
cable front raise
Front ShoulderLateral Shoulder
Barbell
barbell overhead press
Front ShoulderLateral Shoulder+2
Dumbbell
dumbbell standing alternate press
Front ShoulderRear Shoulder+2
Barbell
barbell seated behind the neck press
Front ShoulderRear Shoulder+2
Dumbbell
dumbbell standing overhead press
Front ShoulderRear Shoulder+2
Bench
barbell seated overhead press
Front ShoulderLateral Shoulder+2
Bench
dumbbell seated press
Front ShoulderRear Shoulder+2
Dumbbell
dumbbell standing alternate raise
Front ShoulderLateral Shoulder
Bench
dumbbell incline y raise
Front ShoulderLateral Shoulder
Seated Shoulder Press Machine
machine hammer grip shoulder press
Front ShoulderLateral Shoulder+2
Bench
dumbbell seated alternate shoulder press
Front ShoulderRear Shoulder+2
Seated Shoulder Press Machine
machine seated shoulder press
Front ShoulderLateral Shoulder+2
Kettlebell
kettlebell strict press
Front ShoulderLateral Shoulder+2
Barbell
barbell front raise
Front ShoulderLateral Shoulder
Kettlebell
kettlebell upright row
Front ShoulderLateral Shoulder+1
None
pike push-up
Front ShoulderLateral Shoulder+2
Resistance Band
resistance band overhead press
Front ShoulderRear Shoulder+2
Dumbbell
dumbbell push press
Front ShoulderRear Shoulder+2
Bench
dumbbell arnold press
Front ShoulderRear Shoulder+2
Smith Machine
smit-machine seated shoulder press
Front ShoulderLateral Shoulder+2
Smith Machine
smit-machine standing shoulder press
Front ShoulderLateral Shoulder+2