With the continuous updating of fitness knowledge, we have gradually realized the importance of shoulder training. Shoulder training is mostly performed using equipment. Among many shoulder training movements, the dumbbell shoulder press is an movement we often use during training. We often use both hands when doing this action, but can we only use one hand? Let’s go take a look below!

Can you do dumbbell shoulder presses with only one hand?

It is best not to use one hand for dumbbell shoulder presses. The characteristic of dumbbells is that they allow our two hands to move separately, unlike equipment like barbells or Smiths, where the two hands are fixed together, which often happens. The strength is biased to one side, and if you only use one hand, your shoulders will not be fully exercised. Many people exert more force on the right side when performing shoulder presses, while the muscles on the left side do not exert sufficient force.

Problems with dumbbell shoulder press

The first point is that the range of motion of both hands is not opened during the dumbbell shoulder press. When we perform shoulder press, we need to fully contract and stretch the shoulder muscles, which is something that barbell shoulder press cannot do.

The second point is to use excessive force when performing shoulder presses. This problem is a very common one. Many people will take advantage of the strength of the chest muscles when performing shoulder presses. Some people even practice shoulder presses as incline bench presses.