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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:

  1. Seated position: Sit upright on a bench with feet flat on the floor and your back straight.
  2. Dumbbell position: Hold a dumbbell in each hand at shoulder level. Your palms should be facing forward and elbows bent outwards beside your body.
  3. Proud chest: Keep your chest lifted, shoulders relaxed and down, and your core engaged.

The Lift

  1. Initiate the press: Brace your core, and press both dumbbells straight up towards the ceiling.
  2. Control at the top: At the top of the movement, allow the dumbbells to gently touch for maximum range of motion.
  3. Controlled descent: Slowly lower the dumbbells in a controlled arc until they return to the starting position at shoulder level.
  4. 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