https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qEwKCR5JCog – Video Demonstration 

hursday has arrived and I am up early, getting ready for the day to begin. I love how when I wake up it is alright bright and sunny and looks to be a warm day. My only fuss is I wasn’t sure which blog topic I wanted to write about today, I have a list of blog topics that interest me to write about and sometimes the hardest part is choosing which one to start on. I realize yesterday I gave you an exercise post but I find these exercise post are handy for some people and short and to the point, that way if I have plans, I don’t feel rushed writing. I love writing but sometimes I am on a strict timeline, especially when I make prior engagements, but thankfully my tummy is feeling a whole lot better than the last couple of days and that has been helpful in focusing. With all this being said…

Have you gave the dumbbell shoulder press a try? It isn’t a new exercise by any means but it is one I do enjoy implementing in my workouts, who doesn’t have dumbbells handy someplace if not at the gym and if you don’t own dumbbells – normally you can find some lower weights for cheap vs paying a hell of a lot more for some heavier weights (although after a while depending on your fitness level, you will want to invest in high weights possibly). Just like any other exercise I mention on my blog, it is the form and technique that is more important than the load you lift, because you want to make sure you have a grip on how the arms go up and really activate those shoulder muscles. I typically tell people to start with lower weights or have a spotter if pushing higher weights so that they can get the form down and also reduce their chances of injury. This particular exercise can be done standing or sitting, and I don’t mind either way, but many times, I have probably done it standing more so than sitting (variety is key). 

How to perform the exercise?

I have a video at the top with the link showing the correct way to do this particular exercise, but for some, I always like to add some written steps in case others would rather read than watch the video.

1. Hold a dumbbell in each hand, sit on a bench that has back support. Start by placing the dumbbells upright on top of  your thighs
2. Raise dumbbells to shoulder height one at a time – use your thighs to help propel them into position
3. Have your wrist rotated so that your palms face forward, This is considered the starting position
4. Exhale and push the dumbbells upward until they touch at the top 
5. Pause at the contracted position at the top, slowly lower the weights back down to the starting position while inhaling. 
6. repeat for the recommended repetitions