The main muscle group listed for this exercise.
Dumbbell One-Arm Shoulder Press
Dumbbell One-Arm Shoulder Press is an intermediate-level shoulder exercise performed with dumbbells. It also involves the arms and back.
The equipment listed for this variation.
The recorded setup and movement complexity.
Shoulders
Dumbbell One-Arm Shoulder Press also involves arms, back.
Strength
Movement pattern: vertical push. This is a compound exercise.
Intermediate
This level reflects the setup and movement complexity recorded for this exercise.
How to do Dumbbell One-Arm Shoulder Press
- Grab a dumbbell and either sit on a military press bench or a utility bench that has a back support on it as you place the dumbbells upright on top of your thighs or stand up straight.
- Clean the dumbbell up to bring it to shoulder height. The other hand can be kept fully extended to the side, by the waist or grabbing a fixed surface.
- Rotate the wrist so that the palm of your hand is facing forward. This is your starting position.
- As you exhale, push the dumbbell up until your arm is fully extended.
- After a second pause, slowly come down back to the starting position as you inhale.
- Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions and then switch arms.
Workout templates that use this exercise.
If you want to see this movement inside a more complete training session, start here.
3-Day Full Body Split
A three-day split that spreads total weekly work across three full-body sessions.
View workout4-Day Upper Lower Split
A simple four-day split that gives each half of the body two quality sessions each week.
View workout5-Day Bodybuilding Split
A traditional five-day bodybuilding split for lifters who enjoy focusing on one or two regions per session.
View workoutMore exercises in the same lane.
Use these when you want a similar movement pattern, a different setup, or more exercise options for the same target area.
Arnold Dumbbell Press
Arnold Dumbbell Press is an intermediate-level shoulder exercise performed with dumbbells. It also involves the arms.
View exerciseDumbbell Shoulder Press
Dumbbell Shoulder Press is an intermediate-level shoulder exercise performed with dumbbells. It also involves the arms and back.
View exerciseBarbell Shoulder Press
Barbell Shoulder Press is an intermediate-level shoulder exercise performed with a barbell. It also involves the chest, arms, and back.
View exercisePush Press - Behind the Neck
Push Press - Behind the Neck is an intermediate-level shoulder exercise performed with a barbell. It also involves the legs and arms.
View exerciseRelated calculators for this exercise.
Use these calculators when you want to connect the exercise itself to calories, protein, strength targets, or training volume.
Common questions about Dumbbell One-Arm Shoulder Press.
What muscles does Dumbbell One-Arm Shoulder Press work?
Dumbbell One-Arm Shoulder Press primarily trains the shoulders and also involves the arms and back.
Is Dumbbell One-Arm Shoulder Press beginner-friendly?
It is listed as intermediate.
What equipment do I need for Dumbbell One-Arm Shoulder Press?
This variation uses dumbbells.
Track this exercise for free in Logbook.
Once the movement is in your plan, use Logbook to record sets, reps, load, and progress without guessing what happened last week.