Description
An upper body weighted exercise that targets the shoulders, with secondary focus on the triceps and upper back muscles. This exercise is performed while seated, with a dumbbell in one hand. The arm is rotated and lifted to work the shoulder muscles.
How to Do Dumbbell Seated One Arm Arnold Press
- 1Setup
Sit on a bench with back support, feet flat on the floor, and hold one dumbbell in a supinated grip (palm facing you) at shoulder height, elbow bent.
- 2Setup
Ensure your elbow is tucked close to your body and your wrist is stacked directly over your elbow, ready to begin the press.
- 3
Initiate the movement by rotating your wrist as you press the dumbbell upward, simultaneously externally rotating your shoulder until your palm faces forward at the top.
- 4
Fully extend your arm overhead without locking your elbow, maintaining control and engaging your shoulder throughout the movement.
- 5
Slowly reverse the motion, rotating your wrist back to the supinated position as you lower the dumbbell to the starting shoulder height.
- 6
Maintain a controlled descent, feeling the stretch in your deltoid before initiating the next repetition.
Tips
- Focus on a smooth, controlled rotation of the wrist and shoulder throughout the entire range of motion to maximize deltoid engagement.
- Keep your core braced and back pressed firmly against the bench to maintain stability and prevent any unwanted torso movement.
- Breathe out as you press the dumbbell overhead and inhale as you slowly lower it back to the starting position to maintain proper oxygen flow.
- Choose a weight that allows you to perform the full rotational movement with good form, rather than sacrificing technique for heavier loads.
Common Mistakes
- ×Using momentum: Avoid swinging the dumbbell or arching your back to lift the weight; instead, use controlled shoulder strength to drive the movement.
- ×Incomplete rotation: Ensure a full external rotation of the shoulder and wrist at the top and internal rotation at the bottom to fully engage all deltoid heads.
- ×Locking out the elbow: Do not fully lock your elbow at the top of the press; maintain a slight bend to keep tension on the shoulder muscles and protect the joint.
Variations

Dumbbell Seated Reverse Arnold Press
Perform the Dumbbell Seated Reverse Arnold Press to build strong, sculpted shoulders.

Dumbbell Standing Single Arm Arnold Press
Perform the single-arm Arnold press for sculpted shoulders. This dynamic dumbbell exercise targets all three deltoid heads, improving shoulder strength

Dumbbell Standing Alternate Arnold Press
Master the Dumbbell Standing Alternate Arnold Press for sculpted shoulders. This dynamic exercise combines pressing and rotation to build deltoid strength

Dumbbell Alternate Arnold Press
Develop strong, sculpted shoulders and triceps with the Dumbbell Alternate Arnold Press.
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Dumbbell Complex Push-up Row Clean and Press
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Kettlebell Around Head Rotation
Build shoulder mobility and stability by rotating a kettlebell around your head in a controlled circular path.
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