Exercise · Upper body

Shoulder press

  • Strength

Works: Shoulders and the backs of your arms.

Add to a routineUsed in 7 timer routines

How to do it

Line drawing of a shoulder press: standing with a weight in each hand at shoulder height, then pressed straight up overhead.
  1. Stand tall or sit, holding a weight in each hand at shoulder height.
  2. Tighten your stomach and glutes so your back doesn't arch.
  3. Press the weights straight up until your arms are straight overhead.
  4. Lower slowly back to your shoulders.

Watch out for

Arching your lower back, and shrugging.

Make it easier or harder

  1. 1Seated, with full water bottles.
  2. 2Overhead press: standing, with full water bottles.
  3. 3Shoulder press with dumbbells.
  4. 4Slow: take three seconds to lower.
  5. 5Heavier weights.

Do the difficulty that suits you.

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Safety and disclaimer

The workouts, exercise instructions and effort guide on this page are general information for adults. They are not tailored to you, they are not medical or professional advice, and they may not be suitable for you. They do not replace advice from a professional who knows you. Although exercise can be good for your health, all exercise carries some risk of injury.

Get advice from a doctor, physiotherapist or other qualified health professional before you start if:

  • you have a heart or lung condition, high blood pressure, diabetes or any other long-term condition
  • you have ever had chest pain, fainting or dizziness, with or without exercise
  • you have an injury, a joint or back problem, or pain when you move
  • you are pregnant or have had a baby in the last year
  • you have recently had an operation, or been ill
  • you take medicine that affects your heart rate, blood pressure or balance
  • you are new to exercise, or coming back after a long break
  • a doctor or other professional has told you to limit or avoid exercise
  • you have any other concern about your health

Stop straight away if you get chest pain or tightness, feel faint or dizzy, become unusually short of breath, feel your heart racing or beating irregularly, or feel sharp pain. Call 999, or your local emergency number, if you have chest pain or tightness, or if any of these does not settle quickly with rest.

Start at a level that feels comfortable and build up gradually. Clear the space around you, use a floor that is not slippery, and make sure any chair, step, bench or equipment is sturdy and will not move.

You choose whether to do these exercises and how hard to work, and you do them at your own risk. Read our full Medical Disclaimer.