Male model ex_JEDQVM

Watermarked 360p preview. Through the API this animation plays without the watermark at 600 × 720, 30 fps. See plans

Shoulders · Dumbbell

Dumbbell Seated Shoulder Press Parallel Grip

beginnerstrength

Dumbbell Seated Shoulder Press Parallel Grip is a beginner compound strength exercise that works the delts (shoulders), with the triceps assisting. It needs a dumbbell. A typical prescription is 3 sets of 8-12 reps, and it burns about 6.1 calories per minute.

Target
Delts
Body part
Shoulders
Equipment
Dumbbell
Category
Strength
Mechanic
Compound
Force
Push
Sets × reps
3 × 8-12
Calories / min
≈ 6.1 kcal

Primary muscles

  • Shoulders · Anterior Deltoids

Secondary muscles

  • Triceps · Triceps Brachii

How to do Dumbbell Seated Shoulder Press Parallel Grip

  1. Sit on a bench with back support. Hold a dumbbell in each hand at shoulder height, with your elbows bent at 90 degrees at chest level, facing forward, and your palms facing each other (parallel grip).
  2. Press the dumbbells upward by extending your elbows, until your arms are fully extended above your head.
  3. Pause briefly at the top of the movement, ensuring that your arms are straight but not locked.
  4. Lower the dumbbells back to starting position following the steps in reverse. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

Form tips

  • Keep your back firmly pressed against the bench to support your spine.
  • Engage your core muscles throughout the exercise to maintain stability.
  • Exhale as you press the dumbbells upward and inhale as you lower them.

Dumbbell Seated Shoulder Press Parallel Grip alternatives

More delts exercises

Dumbbell Seated Shoulder Press Parallel Grip FAQ

What muscles does Dumbbell Seated Shoulder Press Parallel Grip work?

Dumbbell Seated Shoulder Press Parallel Grip mainly works the delts in the shoulders (Anterior Deltoids). The triceps work as secondary muscles.

What equipment do you need for Dumbbell Seated Shoulder Press Parallel Grip?

You need a dumbbell.

How many sets and reps of Dumbbell Seated Shoulder Press Parallel Grip should I do?

Start with 3 sets of 8-12 reps. Pick a load or variation where the last one or two reps are hard but your form stays clean.

Is Dumbbell Seated Shoulder Press Parallel Grip good for beginners?

Yes. Dumbbell Seated Shoulder Press Parallel Grip is rated beginner, so it's a sound choice while you learn to train the delts.

How many calories does Dumbbell Seated Shoulder Press Parallel Grip burn?

About 6.1 calories per minute for a person of around 70 kg, based on a MET value of 5. Ten minutes of work is roughly 61 calories; heavier people burn more.

What is a good alternative to Dumbbell Seated Shoulder Press Parallel Grip?

Other exercises for the delts include Ez Bar Seated Close Grip Shoulder Press, Band Seated Shoulder Press, Seated Shoulder Press Barbell and Band Seated Neutral Grip Shoulders Press.

For developers

Use Dumbbell Seated Shoulder Press Parallel Grip in your app

Get this exercise and 1,900+ others from the WorkoutX API: 720p MP4 animations at 30 fps without the watermark, male and female models, muscles, instructions and form tips in 7 languages.

# One request returns the exercise and its 720p media links
curl "https://api.workoutxapp.com/v2/exercises/ex_JEDQVM" \
  -H "X-WorkoutX-Key: YOUR_API_KEY"

{
  "id": "ex_JEDQVM",
  "name": "Dumbbell Seated Shoulder Press Parallel Grip",
  "model": "male",
  "target": "Delts",
  "equipment": "Dumbbell",
  "media": {
    "mp4": "https://…/ex_JEDQVM/mp4-720.mp4?…",
    "poster": "https://…/ex_JEDQVM/poster.jpg?…"
  }
}