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Exercise Guide
How to do dumbbell push press
Master the setup, range of motion, and tempo for safer, more effective reps.
The dumbbell push press is a dynamic compound exercise that bridges the gap between a strict overhead press and a full jerk. By using a slight leg drive to initiate the movement, you can lift heavier weights overhead, which develops explosive power and total body coordination. This exercise targets the shoulders and triceps while also engaging the core and lower body for stability and power.
Stats
TIER
3
DIFFICULTY
Untrained to Advanced
EQUIPMENT
Dumbbell
TARGET MUSCLES
Front Shoulder, Rear Shoulder, Lateral Shoulder, Triceps
Instructions for Proper Form
Setup:
- Stance: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, holding a dumbbell in each hand at shoulder level. Your palms should face forward with elbows pointed out to the sides.
- Dumbbell Position: Position the dumbbells just outside your shoulders, resting them on your shoulders or holding them slightly in front.
- Body Position: Engage your core, keep your back straight, and head in a neutral position.
The Lift:
- Dip: Slightly bend your knees (a quarter squat) to initiate the movement. This is a quick dip, not a full squat.
- Drive Upwards: Explosively extend your legs and hips upward, using this momentum to help press the dumbbells overhead.
- Press Overhead: As your legs and hips extend, simultaneously press the dumbbells overhead until your arms are fully extended.
- Lockout: Briefly pause at the top, ensuring your elbows are not hyperextended.
- Lower with Control: Slowly lower the dumbbells back down to the starting position, returning to a quarter squat as you do so.
Tips:
- Use Leg Drive: The dip and drive from your legs are key to generating power for the press.
- Maintain Core Tension: Keep your core engaged throughout the movement to protect your spine and maintain balance.
- Barbell Path: Aim to push the dumbbells straight up overhead.
- Breathing: Inhale during the dip, hold your breath as you drive and press, and exhale as you lower the dumbbells.
Common mistakes: Failing to lock out the hips before the press and allowing the lower back to arch excessively.
Alternatives
Cable
cable front raise
Front ShoulderLateral Shoulder
Barbell
barbell overhead press
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Dumbbell
dumbbell standing alternate press
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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
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Bench
dumbbell incline y raise
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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