Dumbbell Seated Overhead Press 10s · no sound

Dumbbell Seated Overhead Press

A seated dumbbell press that trains the front and side shoulders with triceps support — the seated answer to a standing overhead press.

Primary muscle
Front Delts
Equipment
Dumbbell
Difficulty
Beginner
Movement
Push
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How to do it

  1. Sit on a bench with back support and a dumbbell in each hand resting on top of your thighs.
  2. Kick the dumbbells up to shoulder height with palms facing forward and elbows bent at about 90 degrees.
  3. Brace your core, plant your feet, and press your back firmly against the bench pad.
  4. Press both dumbbells up and slightly inward until your arms reach near-lockout with the bells nearly touching.
  5. Lower the dumbbells under control to the starting position with elbows tracking down beside your ribs.
  6. Pause briefly at the bottom, reset your breath, and repeat for the prescribed number of reps.

Common mistakes

  • Arching the lower back off the bench to push more weight, which loads the spine instead of the shoulders.
  • Flaring the elbows straight out to the sides, which strains the front shoulders and shortens the press.
  • Cutting the range short by stopping well below lockout, missing the top portion of the lift.
  • Banging the dumbbells together at the top, which jolts the wrists and wastes pressing tension.

Muscles worked

Primary
Front Delts
Secondary
Triceps

Good to know

What muscles does the Dumbbell Seated Overhead Press work?
Mainly the front delts. It also works the triceps.
What equipment do you need for the Dumbbell Seated Overhead Press?
It uses dumbbells. Without it, the Band Overhead Press and the Cable Overhead Press train the same muscles the same way.
Is the Dumbbell Seated Overhead Press good for beginners?
GymVim rates it beginner.

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