Standing Dumbbell Press
How to do the Standing Dumbbell Press
- 1
Standing with your feet shoulder width apart, take a dumbbell in each hand. Raise the dumbbells to head height, the elbows out and about 90 degrees. This will be your starting position.
- 2
Maintaining strict technique with no leg drive or leaning back, extend through the elbow to raise the weights together directly above your head.
- 3
Pause, and slowly return the weight to the starting position.
How to program the Standing Dumbbell Press
Sets and reps
As a compound movement, the Standing Dumbbell Press responds well to heavier loading. For strength, work in the 3–5 sets of 4–8 reps range with 2–3 minutes of rest between sets. For muscle growth, 3–4 sets of 8–12 reps with 90 seconds of rest is the classic hypertrophy zone. Place it early in your session, when you're freshest, and leave 1–3 reps in reserve on most sets.
Progression
The Standing Dumbbell Press is beginner-friendly. Start with a load (or rep count) you can complete with clean form on every set, then add a small amount of weight or 1–2 reps each week. When you hit the top of your rep range on all sets, increase the load and drop back to the bottom of the range — simple double progression.
Secondary muscles worked
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Frequently asked questions
What muscles does the Standing Dumbbell Press work?
The Standing Dumbbell Press primarily targets the Shoulders. It also recruits the Triceps as supporting muscles.
What equipment do I need for the Standing Dumbbell Press?
You need Dumbbell. Difficulty level: Beginner.
How many sets and reps of the Standing Dumbbell Press should I do?
For strength, do 3–5 sets of 4–8 reps with 2–3 minutes rest. For muscle growth, do 3–4 sets of 8–12 reps with about 90 seconds rest.
