How to do a Single Arm Overhead Press

This exercise is a variation on the more standard Shoulder Press. Like other Shoulder Press variations, this is a compound exercise that primarily targets your shoulders. By performing this exercise one side at a time, the exercise becomes less stable, which can lead to further recruitment of smaller stabilizing muscles in the shoulder. Standing while pressing the weight overhead forces you to recruit your core for stability, as well as making the exercise more inline with developing functional strength.

1. Clean a dumbbell in your left hand left up to shoulder height positioning it just outside your shoulder and palm facing forward.
2. Keep your core braced and your wrist directly overtop of your elbow as you extend your left arm overhead.
3. After you have fully extended your left arm, lower it back to the starting position and repeat with the opposite side.

Common Form Mistakes