Standing Dumbbell Overhead Press

Both dumbbells from the shoulders to lockout; each arm holds its own line.

Standing Dumbbell Overhead Press, illustrated

How to do it

Setup

Dumbbells at the shoulders, palms forward or neutral; feet hip-width, glutes and abs braced.

Steps

  1. Press the bells straight up to lockout over the shoulders.
  2. Keep the ribs down – no back lean.
  3. Lower to the shoulders with control.

Common mistakes

Arching the lower back: squeeze the glutes, ribs down. Pressing forward of the head: finish over the shoulders. Legs dipping for a push: that is another exercise; strict here.

Breathing

Exhale on the press, inhale lowering.