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Exercise Guide
How to do dumbbell seated alternate shoulder press
Master the setup, range of motion, and tempo for safer, more effective reps.
The dumbbell seated alternate shoulder press is a classic upper-body movement for building strong, well-defined shoulders. By pressing one arm at a time while seated, you minimize momentum and force the core to stabilize the torso. This exercise targets the anterior and lateral deltoids effectively while helping to identify and correct strength discrepancies between your right and left sides for a balanced physique.
Stats
TIER
2
DIFFICULTY
Untrained to Advanced
EQUIPMENT
Bench, Dumbbell
TARGET MUSCLES
Front Shoulder, Rear Shoulder, Lateral Shoulder, Triceps
Instructions for Proper Form
Setup:
- Seated position: Sit upright on a bench with feet flat on the floor and your back straight.
- Dumbbell position: Hold a dumbbell in each hand at shoulder level. Your palms should be facing forward and elbows bent outwards beside your body.
- Proud chest: Keep your chest lifted, shoulders relaxed and down, and your core engaged.
The Lift
- Initiate the press: Brace your core, and press one dumbbell straight up towards the ceiling.
- Full extension: Extend your arm fully overhead.
- Controlled descent: Slowly lower the dumbbell back to the starting position in a controlled arc.
- Alternate: Repeat the press with your other arm, alternating sides with each repetition.
Tips:
- Don't arch your back excessively: Maintain a neutral spine.
- Breathe: Exhale as you press, inhale as you descend.
Common mistakes: Excessive arching of the back and not bringing the dumbbells down far enough to achieve a full range of motion.
Alternatives
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cable front raise
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Barbell
barbell overhead press
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Dumbbell
dumbbell standing alternate press
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Barbell
barbell seated behind the neck press
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Dumbbell
dumbbell standing overhead press
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Bench
barbell seated overhead press
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Bench
dumbbell seated press
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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
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Barbell
barbell front raise
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Kettlebell
kettlebell upright row
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None
pike push-up
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Resistance Band
resistance band overhead press
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Dumbbell
dumbbell push press
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Bench
dumbbell arnold press
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Smith Machine
smit-machine seated shoulder press
Front ShoulderLateral Shoulder+2
Smith Machine
smit-machine standing shoulder press
Front ShoulderLateral Shoulder+2