Target Muscle

    Shoulders

    Equipment

    Dumbbell

    Difficulty

    Beginner

    Category

    Strength

    Dumbbell Standing Alternate Overhead Press

    The dumbbell standing alternate overhead press is a shoulder exercise that involves pressing dumbbells overhead one arm at a time while standing. This movement targets the deltoid muscles and also engages the tricep and core for stability.

    Also Works

    TricepsCore

    How to Perform

    1. 1

      Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, holding a dumbbell in each hand at shoulder level with your palms facing forward.

    2. 2

      Press one dumbbell overhead, fully extending your arm.

    3. 3

      Lower the dumbbell back to shoulder level.

    4. 4

      Repeat with the other arm.

    5. 5

      Continue alternating arms for the desired number of repetitions.

    Pro Tips

    • Press one dumbbell overhead while keeping the other at shoulder height, alternating arms for each rep.
    • Brace your core hard to prevent your torso from swaying side to side with each alternating press.
    • Press each dumbbell straight up over the shoulder, not toward the center of your body.

    Common Mistakes

    • Resting the non-pressing dumbbell on the shoulder or lowering it to the side between reps, reducing constant tension.
    • Leaning to the side opposite the pressing arm to compensate for the unilateral load.
    • Using leg drive by dipping the knees, which turns this into a push press rather than a strict press.

    Frequently Asked Questions

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