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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:

  1. Seated Position: Sit on a bench with back support, holding a dumbbell in each hand.
  2. 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:

  1. 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.
  2. Full Extension: Continue pressing until your arms are straight overhead, but avoid locking your elbows.
  3. 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