Dumbbell Seated Shoulder Press (Parallel Grip)

Sit upright on a bench with a dumbbell in each hand, palms facing inward. Bring the dumbbells up to shoulder height, elbows bent and forming 90-degree angles. Press the dumbbells straight up overhead until arms are fully extended. Pause briefly at the top and then lower the dumbbells back to shoulder height. Repeat for desired number of repetitions.

How to perform the Dumbbell Seated Shoulder Press (Parallel Grip)

  1. Set up. Set up in a stable, balanced starting position appropriate for the Dumbbell Seated Shoulder Press (Parallel Grip) using your dumbbell.
  2. Brace and execute. Brace your core, control the descent, and move through a full pain-free range of motion while emphasizing your deltoids.
  3. 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.

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