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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:

  1. 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.
  2. Dumbbell Position: Position the dumbbells just outside your shoulders, resting them on your shoulders or holding them slightly in front.
  3. Body Position: Engage your core, keep your back straight, and head in a neutral position.

The Lift:

  1. Dip: Slightly bend your knees (a quarter squat) to initiate the movement. This is a quick dip, not a full squat.
  2. Drive Upwards: Explosively extend your legs and hips upward, using this momentum to help press the dumbbells overhead.
  3. Press Overhead: As your legs and hips extend, simultaneously press the dumbbells overhead until your arms are fully extended.
  4. Lockout: Briefly pause at the top, ensuring your elbows are not hyperextended.
  5. 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

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