Overhead Press (DB) primarily works the shoulders and triceps. It is categorized as a push movement and uses Dumbbell.
- Primary muscles
- shoulders and triceps
- Equipment
- Dumbbell
- Movement pattern
- push
- Catalog difficulty
- 3 of 5
How to do Overhead Press (DB)
- Ribs down, squeeze glutes
- Finish with arms straight, biceps by your ears — no lean-back
Common mistakes
- Arching the low back — lighten the load
Muscles worked
The primary catalog target is shoulders, with triceps also involved. Exercise feel varies with setup, range of motion, and individual anatomy.
Easier and harder options
Easier option: Band Chest Press
Harder option: Push Press
Related exercises and substitutions
A useful substitute should preserve the job this movement has in the session—not merely train a nearby body part. Explore the related Movviva guides below, then compare pattern, target muscles, available equipment, and difficulty.
Band Chest Press · Push Press · Band Chest Press · Battle Rope Slam · Landmine Press · Half-Kneeling Landmine Press
Put Overhead Press (DB) into a plan that adapts.
Movviva builds strength, mobility, and conditioning around your goal, schedule, equipment, and completed training—then gives you the next workout with guided targets and smart swaps.