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Exercise Guide
How to do dumbbell seated press
Master the setup, range of motion, and tempo for safer, more effective reps.
The dumbbell seated press is a core shoulder exercise that builds the deltoids and triceps. Sitting down provides more stability than standing, allowing you to focus entirely on the overhead press mechanics and weight. Because dumbbells allow for a more natural range of motion than a barbell, this exercise can be more comfortable for those with shoulder mobility issues.
Stats
TIER
1
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 both dumbbells straight up towards the ceiling.
- Control at the top: At the top of the movement, allow the dumbbells to gently touch for maximum range of motion.
- Controlled descent: Slowly lower the dumbbells in a controlled arc until they return to the starting position at shoulder level.
- Reset: Breathe and prepare for the next repetition.
Tips:
- Full body tension: Think of this as a whole-body lift, engaging your legs and glutes slightly for power and stability.
- Don't arch your back excessively: Maintain a neutral spine.
- Breathe: Exhale as you press, inhale as you descend.
Common mistakes: Arching the lower back, clicking the dumbbells together at the top which removes tension, and not lowering the weights far enough.
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