Dumbbell Shoulder Press – Exercise of the Week

The dumbbell shoulder press exercise is a great way to work your shoulder muscles and joints. This is a variation to the seated shoulder press machine that we have here at Westpark Fitness; but likewise it follows a very similar movement and has a very similar effect on the shoulder muscles and joints. Learn how to complete the exercise here with these instructions – complete with useful guideline pictures taken from inside our gym in Dublin 24.

Dumbbell Shoulder Press

To start, make sure and select dumbbells that you can manage to hold comfortably and securely. As this exercise will involve you raising them up over your head, it is crucial to use manageable weights to avoid injury. Start with lighter weights until you get used to the movement of this exercise and build up more strength for it. As can be seen in the picture above, begin by sitting on a bench (with the back of the bench raised) with a dumbbell resting on each leg. Lean back and hold the dumbbells beside your ears so that you elbows form right angles (see image below).

When ready, extend your arms upwards straight over your head. The dumbbells may touch / make contact as you extend your arms. Slowly return them back to the sides of your ears and that is one repetition (rep) complete. For best results, we recommend that you ask any of our fitness team to assess your goals and then recommend the optimum amount of sets and reps to complete. They can also demonstrate this exercise for you and observe you completing it too to make sure you maintain the proper form and posture. They are friendly and always love to help, so please feel free to ask them something anytime!

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