Exercise 2136 · REF BqgCRif

Dumbbell Cuban Press V. 2 exercise animation

Dumbbell Cuban Press V. 2

Category
Shoulders
Equipment
Dumbbell
Target
Delts

This variation on the Cuban press keeps the same three-part sequence — upright row, external rotation, overhead press — but usually changes the starting position or tempo to shift where the tension sits. It's still primarily a shoulder-health and mobility movement rather than a heavy strength builder, so loading it up heavy works against the exercise's purpose. Control through the rotation phase is what separates a useful rep from a wasted one.

How to Do the Dumbbell Cuban Press V. 2

  1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, holding a dumbbell in each hand at shoulder height with your palms facing down.
  2. Keeping your core engaged and your back straight, press the dumbbells straight up overhead until your arms are fully extended.
  3. Rotate your wrists so that your palms are facing forward.
  4. Lower the dumbbells back down to shoulder height, rotating your wrists back to the starting position.
  5. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

Muscles Worked

The Dumbbell Cuban Press V. 2 primarily targets the Delts, with Triceps as the primary synergist muscle group, along with the Upper Back.

More Shoulders Exercises

More Delts Exercises

Equipment Alternatives

Don't have dumbbell? These target the same delts with different equipment.

FAQ

What muscles does the Dumbbell Cuban Press V. 2 work?
The Dumbbell Cuban Press V. 2 primarily targets the delts, with the triceps and upper back assisting.
What equipment do I need for the Dumbbell Cuban Press V. 2?
The Dumbbell Cuban Press V. 2 is done with a dumbbell.
What's a good alternative to the Dumbbell Cuban Press V. 2?
If you don't have access to a dumbbell, the Left Hook. Boxing targets the same delts using body weight instead.