The Seated Dumbbell Military Press: How to Perform It

Detailed directions

The Seated Dumbbell Military Press: How to Perform It

Some people have access to personal trainers who can provide them with guidance on proper technique for certain workouts. For optimal results, perform a dumbbell military press while seated or standing, following this technique if you don’t have a trainer.

For a seated dumbbell press, you’ll need an incline bench and a pair of dumbbells.


Seated Dumbbell Military Press

While sitting on a raised bench, grab a pair of dumbbells.  Verify that the bench’s back is positioned at a 90-degree angle.

After taking a seat, place a dumbbell on each thigh. Place your lower back firmly against the bench’s back when you sit.  Try to keep your shoulders and back as straight as possible.

Elevate the dumbbells so they are shoulder height by raising them off your thighs. Raise each of your thighs separately to assist in lifting big weights. An injury could result from raising a heavy dumbbell with just your arm.

As you hold the dumbbells at shoulder height, turn your palms to face front. You can also perform a dumbbell press with your hands facing your body, if that’s how you choose. 

Make sure your forearms are in line with the floor.

Press the dumbbells above your head until your arms reach their maximum length. After a brief period of time spent holding the weight above your head, return the dumbbells to shoulder height.

Perform the necessary number of repetitions. For beginners, begin with one set of eight to ten repetitions. 

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