Description
A weight training exercise where the individual sits on an exercise ball, holding a dumbbell in one hand, raises it above the head, and then lowers it back down.
How to Do Dumbbell One Arm Press on Exercise Ball
- 1Setup
Sit on an exercise ball and roll forward until your upper back and shoulders are supported, feet flat on the floor with knees bent at 90 degrees. Your hips should be level and slightly elevated, forming a straight line from your knees to your shoulders.
- 2Setup
Place a dumbbell on your thigh of the working arm. Lie back on the ball and use your thigh to help bring the dumbbell up to your shoulder, with your palm facing inward.
- 3Setup
Extend your non-working arm out to the side for balance or rest it on your hip. Ensure your core is braced, and your shoulder blades are slightly retracted and depressed on the ball.
- 4
Exhale as you press the dumbbell straight up towards the ceiling, fully extending your elbow without locking it. Maintain a stable torso, preventing any rotation of your body.
- 5
Inhale as you slowly lower the dumbbell back down in a controlled manner, allowing your elbow to descend slightly below your shoulder level. Keep tension in the chest muscle throughout the movement.
Tips
- Actively brace your core throughout the entire movement to prevent your torso from rotating or hips from dropping, maximizing stability and chest engagement.
- Keep your eyes fixed on a point directly above you on the ceiling to help maintain balance and a stable head position on the ball.
- Focus on a controlled, smooth descent of the dumbbell, resisting gravity for 2-3 seconds, to increase time under tension and improve muscle activation.
- Maintain a slight external rotation at the shoulder as you press up, allowing your elbow to track slightly inward, which can enhance pectoralis major activation.
Common Mistakes
- ×Losing core stability and rotating the torso: Fix this by actively engaging your abdominal and oblique muscles to keep your hips and shoulders level throughout the press.
- ×Arching the lower back excessively: Correct this by maintaining a neutral spine, pressing your lower back slightly into the ball, and keeping your core tight to prevent hyperextension.
- ×Rushing the eccentric (lowering) phase: Fix by consciously slowing down the descent of the dumbbell, taking at least two seconds to lower it, to maximize muscle control and engagement.
Variations
Dumbbell Single Arm Floor Press
Build a stronger, more stable chest and triceps with the Dumbbell Single Arm Floor Press.
Dumbbell Press on Exercise Ball
Perform a dumbbell chest press on an exercise ball to engage your pectoralis major, anterior deltoids, and triceps while challenging core stability.
Dumbbell One Arm Decline Chest Press
Target your lower chest with the Dumbbell One-Arm Decline Chest Press. Build strength and definition by isolating each side of your chest.
Dumbbell Lying One Arm Press
Build a powerful, balanced chest with the Dumbbell Lying One Arm Press. This exercise isolates one side of your chest, improving strength and stability.
Related Exercises
Dumbbell Svend Press
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Dumbbell Squeeze Bench Press
Maximize chest activation with the Dumbbell Squeeze Bench Press. This unique variation keeps constant tension on your pecs by squeezing dumbbells together
Dumbbell Bench Press
Master the dumbbell bench press to build a strong chest and powerful upper body. Learn proper form, grip, and breathing for effective muscle growth.
Dumbbell Lying Hammer Press
Perform the Dumbbell Lying Hammer Press to build a strong, defined chest and triceps. This variation emphasizes the pecs with a neutral grip.
Assisted Standing Triceps Dip
Build triceps strength with machine assistance that lets you focus on proper dip form at a manageable load.
Dumbbell Complex Push-up Row Clean and Press
The ultimate full-body dumbbell complex combining a push-up, row, clean, and overhead press in one flow.
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