Back to library

Exercise Library

Dumbbell One Arm Shoulder Press V. 2

A standing single-arm dumbbell overhead press variation that trains pressing strength along with lateral core stability against the offset load.

ShouldersDumbbellVertical press
GoLightWeight mediadumbbell-one-arm-shoulder-press-v-2

Demonstration coming soon

Primary

Anterior deltoids

Secondary

TricepsLateral deltoidsObliquesUpper trapezius

Equipment

Dumbbell

Pattern

Vertical press

Setup

  1. 01Stand with feet hip to shoulder width apart.
  2. 02Clean one dumbbell to the shoulder with the palm facing forward or slightly in.
  3. 03Brace the trunk and squeeze the free hand or place it on your hip.
  4. 04Keep the ribs down so the lower back does not arch.

Execution

  1. 01Press the dumbbell straight up until the elbow locks out overhead.
  2. 02Finish with the biceps close to the ear and the weight over the shoulder.
  3. 03Pause briefly at lockout.
  4. 04Lower under control back to the shoulder.

Checkpoints

  • -Hips and shoulders stay level despite the one-sided load.
  • -The dumbbell finishes stacked over the shoulder and hip.
  • -The rib cage stays down with no sideways lean.
  • -Elbow reaches full lockout on every rep.

Common mistakes

  • -Leaning away from the working arm to grind out reps.
  • -Turning the press into a push press with unplanned leg drive.
  • -Arching the lower back as the weight passes the forehead.
  • -Stopping short of lockout at the top.

Programming notes

  • -Use 3 to 4 sets of 6 to 10 reps per side for strength and stability.
  • -Start with the weaker arm and let it set the rep count.
  • -Use it as a main press on days when barbells are unavailable or the trunk needs extra work.

Related exercises

Almost there

Coming soon to iOS & Android

GoLightWeight is in the final stretch. Free to download, no account required to start.

Coming soonApp Store
Coming soonGoogle Play