Standing Dumbbell Shoulder Press

Setup

• Stand with the feet hip width, dumbbells at shoulder height, palms facing forward.
• Brace the abs and squeeze the glutes.

Execution

1. 1.Press both dumbbells straight overhead until the elbows lock.
2. 2.Bring them slightly toward each other at the top without clashing.
3. 3.Lower under control back to shoulder height.

Breathing

Exhale as you press, inhale as you lower.

Form cues

• Ribs down — do not arch the lower back to press.
• Wrists stacked over the elbows.
• Finish with the dumbbells over the shoulders, not in front.

Common mistakes

• Leaning back into a standing incline press.
• Pressing in a wide arc instead of straight up.
• Letting the elbows flare below shoulder level at the bottom.