The Dumbbell Empty Can Exercise targets the shoulder muscles, particularly the supraspinatus. This exercise helps improve shoulder stability and strength.
- Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, holding a dumbbell in each hand.
- Raise your arms to shoulder height at a 30-degree angle, thumbs pointing down.
- Slowly lift the dumbbells upward while maintaining the angle, then lower back to the starting position.
- Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.
How to perform the Dumbbell Empty Can Exercise
- Set up. Set up in a stable, balanced starting position appropriate for the Dumbbell Empty Can Exercise using your dumbbell.
- Brace and execute. Brace your core, control the descent, and move through a full pain-free range of motion while emphasizing your deltoids.
- Reset. Reverse the movement under control and reset between repetitions, keeping your form crisp on every rep.
Coaching cues
- Move with intent — every rep should feel deliberate, not rushed.
- Drive force through your deltoids rather than momentum.
- Keep your breathing steady: exhale on the hard part, inhale on the reset.
Common mistakes
- Using too much weight and losing positional control.
- Cutting the range of motion short and missing the target muscle.
- Letting your spine round or hyperextend instead of staying neutral.
Detailed cues, common mistakes, and demonstration video are available in the Fitly app.
Build a free routine
Stage exercises here, then sign up to save them as a real Fitly routine — synced to web and mobile.
View staged routine (0)Related exercises
Bent-over Row - Back (WRONG-RIGHT)
The Bent-over Row targets your back muscles effectively. This exercise improves strength and stability in your upper …
Biceps Curl - Arms Body (WRONG-RIGHT)
The biceps curl targets the biceps muscles in your arms. This exercise helps to build strength and definition.Stand w…
Burpee Over the Dumbbell
The Burpee Over the Dumbbell is a dynamic full-body exercise that combines a burpee with a jump over a dumbbell.Start…
Chest Fly - Arms (WRONG-RIGHT)
The Chest Fly targets the chest muscles effectively. You perform this exercise by lying on a bench and extending your…
Concentration Curl - Arms (WRONG-RIGHT)
The concentration curl isolates the biceps for maximum muscle engagement. This exercise is performed seated, focusing…
Deep Push Up
Start in a high plank position with your hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart. Keep your body in a straight…
Dumbbell 4 Ways Lateral Raise
The Dumbbell 4 Ways Lateral Raise targets the shoulders through multiple angles, enhancing muscle activation.Stand wi…
Dumbbell 6 Ways Raise
The Dumbbell 6 Ways Raise targets the shoulders and upper back. This exercise involves raising the dumbbells in multi…