Exercise 0388 · REF QT5Q0nK

Dumbbell Seated Alternate Press exercise animation

Dumbbell Seated Alternate Press

Category
Shoulders
Equipment
Dumbbell
Target
Delts

Seated alternating presses take the legs out of the movement entirely, isolating each shoulder's pressing strength without any lower-body drive to lean on. Alternating sides also means one arm supports the weight in a static hold while the other presses, adding a stability demand beyond a standard two-arm press. It's a good way to catch and correct a lagging side.

How to Do the Dumbbell Seated Alternate Press

  1. Sit on a bench with a dumbbell in each hand, palms facing forward.
  2. Raise the dumbbells to shoulder height, with your elbows bent and palms facing forward.
  3. Press one dumbbell up overhead, fully extending your arm.
  4. Lower the dumbbell back down to shoulder height.
  5. Repeat with the other arm.
  6. Continue alternating arms for the desired number of repetitions.

Muscles Worked

The Dumbbell Seated Alternate Press primarily targets the Delts, with Triceps as the primary synergist muscle group, along with the Chest.

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