How to perform Dumbbell Overhead Press with proper form
Starting Position
- Stand with Feet Shoulder-Width Apart: Keep a slight bend in your knees for stability.
- Hold Dumbbells: Raise dumbbells to shoulder height, palms facing forward or towards each other.
Execution
- Engage Core: Tighten your abdominal muscles to support your spine.
- Press Up: Push the dumbbells overhead in a straight line until your arms are fully extended.
- Wrist Position: Keep wrists neutral, aligned with forearms.
- Do Not Lock Elbows: Stop just before locking out your elbows at the top.
- Lower Slowly: Bring the dumbbells back to the starting position at shoulder height.
Tips
- Maintain a Straight Back: Avoid excessive arching of the lower back.
- Control the Movement: Focus on smooth and steady movement both up and down.
- Breathe: Exhale when pressing up, inhale when lowering.
Common Mistakes
- Tilting the Head Back: Keep your head neutral, aligning it with your spine.
- Using Momentum: Avoid swinging the weights; rely on muscle strength.
- Forget to Engage Core: This helps protect your lower back during the lift.
Exercises
Arnold Press, Dumbbell
Type: Upper, Push
Target: Shoulders
Synergist: Chest, Triceps
Arnold Press, Kettlebell
Type: Upper, Push
Target: Shoulders
Synergist: Chest, Triceps
Around The World, Dumbbell
Type: Core
Target: Shoulders, Chest
Synergist: Back
Ball Slams, Medicine Ball
Type: Core, Upper
Target: Shoulders, Back
Synergist: Chest, Abs
Battle Ropes, Bodyweight
Type: Upper, Core
Target: Shoulders
Synergist: Biceps, Forearms, Back
Behind The Neck Press, Barbell
Type: Upper, Push
Target: Shoulders
Synergist: Triceps
Behind The Neck Press, Smith Machine
Type: Upper, Push
Target: Shoulders
Synergist: Triceps
Behind The Neck Press, Band
Type: Upper, Push
Target: Shoulders
Synergist: Triceps
Clean, Barbell
Type: Upper, Lower, Push
Target: Glutes, Hamstrings, Quadriceps, Back, Shoulders
Synergist: Calves, Biceps, Chest, Forearms
Clean and Jerk, Barbell
Type: Upper, Lower, Push
Target: Glutes, Hamstrings, Quadriceps, Back, Shoulders
Synergist: Calves, Biceps, Chest, Forearms
Deadlift High Pull, Barbell
Type: Upper, Lower, Pull
Target: Shoulders, Glutes, Quadriceps
Synergist: Hamstrings, Biceps, Forearms, Calves, Back
Face Pull, Band
Type: Upper, Pull
Target: Shoulders
Synergist: Biceps, Forearms, Back
Front Raise, Barbell
Type: Upper, Push
Target: Shoulders
Synergist: Chest
Front Raise, Cable
Type: Upper, Push
Target: Shoulders
Synergist: Chest
Front Raise, Dumbbell
Type: Upper, Push
Target: Shoulders
Synergist: Chest
Front Raise, Band
Type: Upper, Push
Target: Shoulders
Synergist: Chest
Front Raise, Bodyweight
Type: Upper, Push
Target: Shoulders
Synergist: Chest
Kettlebell Swing, Dumbbell
Type: Upper, Lower, Core
Target: Shoulders, Glutes
Synergist: Hamstrings, Chest, Calves
Kettlebell Swing, Kettlebell
Type: Upper, Lower, Core
Target: Shoulders, Glutes
Synergist: Hamstrings, Chest, Calves
Lateral Raise, Cable
Type: Upper, Push
Target: Shoulders
Synergist: Chest