Seated Dumbbell Front Press

The Seated Dumbbell Front Press is an overhead pressing exercise that targets the anterior deltoids and triceps from a stable, seated position. By directing the press slightly in front of the body, it emphasizes the front of the shoulder while maximizing joint safety.

Exercise movement reviewed by:Marie Braga, PT, DPT, CSCS
How Iridium Helps

Because the anterior deltoids are small muscles often pre-fatigued by chest workouts, the AI monitors your recovery data to adjust load and volume specifically for this movement. It tracks your rep speed and RPE to ensure you stimulate the muscle without forcing 'grinding' reps that can compromise shoulder joint health. If you have a history of lower back pain, the app remembers this and ensures your volume stays within a range that maintains strict form without excessive arching.

Form Cues

Do
  • Keep your back firmly pressed against the bench pad
  • Press the weights vertically but slightly in front of your forehead
  • Lower the dumbbells slowly until your upper arms are parallel to the floor
  • Exhale forcefully as you drive the weights overhead
  • Keep your wrists stacked directly over your elbows
Don't
  • Don't arch your lower back to help push the weight
  • Don't let your elbows flare out excessively to the sides
  • Don't lock your elbows aggressively at the top
  • Don't bounce the weights out of the bottom position

Common Mistakes

  • Excessive lumbar arching
  • Flaring elbows too wide
  • Shortened range of motion
  • Using momentum to start the press
  • Wrists collapsing under weight

Muscles Worked

This exercise primarily isolates the anterior deltoid (front shoulder) by positioning the load slightly in front of the body's midline. The triceps brachii act as strong synergists to extend the elbow, while the lateral deltoids assist in stabilizing the shoulder joint throughout the pressing motion.

Primary

Anterior Deltoid

Secondary

Triceps Lateral Head

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