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Shoulder Exercises: Training, Technique and Equipment

Explore shoulder exercises with dumbbells, cables, and machines. Learn about technique, movement angles, and practical training guidance.

Shoulder exercises train the deltoids and support pressing, pulling, and lifting patterns in strength training. Choose dumbbells, cables, machines, or bodyweight movements that match your experience and program.

Shoulder exercise overview

This category includes shoulder presses, lateral raises, front raises, and movements that target the rear deltoids. Each variation has a different training feel: machines provide guided resistance, while dumbbells and cables require more independent control. Use a mix of movement angles and keep the load manageable.

Practical technique

Keep your torso steady, control the lifting and lowering phases, and avoid swinging during raises. Adjust the seat and handles on machines, and use a range of motion that remains comfortable. Stop if you feel sharp pain and seek qualified coaching when technique is uncertain.

Single-Arm Dumbbell Triceps Extension

Single-Arm Dumbbell Triceps Extension

Introduction: The single-arm dumbbell triceps extension is an effective exercise for isolating and strengthening the triceps. This exercise helps you develop strong and defined arms, which is particularly useful for improving your performance in other strength-training exercises and daily activities

Triceps Strength Training
Single-Arm Dumbbell Triceps Kickback

Single-Arm Dumbbell Triceps Kickback

The Single-Arm Dumbbell Triceps Kickback is an effective exercise for strengthening and defining your triceps. This exercise targets the back of your upper arms. Execution Begin by choosing a suitable dumbbell. The weight should be challenging, but you should still be able to perform the full ra

Triceps Strength Training
Single-Arm Dumbbell Wide-Grip Bench Press

Single-Arm Dumbbell Wide-Grip Bench Press

The Single-Arm Dumbbell Wide-Grip Bench Press is a variation of the traditional bench press that focuses on isolating the chest muscles, with particular emphasis on the outer chest. This exercise offers a unique way to address muscle imbalances and improve shoulder stability. Execution Lie on a

Chest Strength Training
Single-Arm Kettlebell Swing

Single-Arm Kettlebell Swing

The Single-Arm Kettlebell Swing is a dynamic exercise that combines strength, flexibility, and balance. It is a unique movement that focuses on explosive power from your hips while also improving your core stability and shoulder mobility. Execution Start with your feet shoulder-width apart and a

Glutes Strength Training
Single-Arm Kneeling Landmine Press

Single-Arm Kneeling Landmine Press

The Single-Arm Kneeling Landmine Press is an effective exercise for strengthening your shoulders, arms, and core. This exercise offers a unique way to build stability and strength because you perform it in a kneeling position, which places less stress on your lower back. Execution Place one en

Shoulders Strength Training
Single-Arm Landmine Press

Single-Arm Landmine Press

The landmine press, also called jammer press in some cases, is a ballistic exercise that is best compared with the movement used in shot put. It is a compound exercise in which the whole body must coordinate to perform the task as effectively as possible. It can therefore also be considere

Shoulders Strength Training
Single-Arm Landmine Press

Single-Arm Landmine Press

Introduction: The Single-Arm Landmine Press is an effective strength exercise that targets the upper-body muscles at a unique angle. This exercise helps build strength and stability, especially in the shoulders, through the use of a landmine setup. Execution: Follow these steps to perform the exerc

Shoulders Strength Training
Single-Arm Overhead Extension with Resistance Band

Single-Arm Overhead Extension with Resistance Band

Looking for an effective exercise to add to your arm workout that not only strengthens your triceps but also improves your stability and coordination? Try the single-arm overhead extension with a resistance band. This exercise is unique because it requires you to work with one arm at a time, which h

Triceps CrossFit
Single-Arm Rear Delt Dumbbell Row With Bench

Single-Arm Rear Delt Dumbbell Row With Bench

Introduction: The single-arm rear delt dumbbell row with a bench is an effective exercise for strengthening the rear shoulders and upper back. This exercise also helps develop better posture and improve the balance between the muscle groups around your shoulders. Execution: Begin by placing a dumbb

Shoulders Strength Training
Ski Ergometer

Ski Ergometer

The Ski Ergometer is a challenging piece of fitness equipment that simulates the movements of cross-country skiing. It provides a full-body workout that improves both your endurance and strength. What makes this exercise unique is that it has a low impact on your joints while still offering high int

Back Cardio
Ski Jacks

Ski Jacks

Ski Jacks are a dynamic and energetic exercise that helps improve your cardiovascular fitness while training multiple muscle groups at the same time. This exercise is unique because it combines the intensity of jumping with the coordination of the arms and legs, creating a full-body workout. Instru

Full-body training Cardio
Skull Crushers

Skull Crushers

Skull crushers are one of the best exercises for building thicker triceps. If you experience wrist pain, perform skull crushers with an EZ bar. Grip the EZ bar with your palms facing away from you. Bring the EZ bar to your chest and lie down. Extend your arms with the EZ bar straight above you. Then

Triceps Strength Training
Slow Burpees

Slow Burpees

Slow burpees are a variation of the traditional burpee in which you perform the movements more slowly and with greater control. This approach helps improve your stability, strength, and coordination while still providing a full-body workout. Execution Begin in a standing position with your feet

Full-body training Cardio
Smith Behind-Neck Press

Smith Behind-Neck Press

The shoulder press is an exercise that works all three heads of the deltoid (but not to the same extent). This is the deltoid muscle responsible for raising the upper arm. In the behind-the-neck press, the barbell is brought from/to behind the head instead of in front of it. When performed on the Sm

Shoulders Strength Training
Smith Machine Bench Press

Smith Machine Bench Press

The bench press, or 'bench pressing', is one of the most popular exercises in strength training. It is also one of the three powerlifting exercises (alongside the squat and deadlift). It is a compound exercise that engages several large muscle groups. The chest muscles and front deltoids are engaged

Chest Strength Training
Smith Machine Decline Bench Press

Smith Machine Decline Bench Press

The Smith Machine Decline Bench Press is a powerful exercise designed to strengthen your chest muscles. The declined angle of the bench primarily targets the lower parts of your chest muscles, contributing to overall chest development. Execution Set the bench to a declined position under the S

Chest Strength Training
Smith Machine Decline Press

Smith Machine Decline Press

The Smith Machine Decline Press is a powerful exercise that targets the lower part of your chest muscles. The angle of the exercise challenges your muscles in a unique way, which can lead to better definition and strength. Execution Set the bench to a decline position and place it under the Smit

Chest Strength Training
Smith Machine Flat Bench Press

Smith Machine Flat Bench Press

The Smith Machine Flat Bench Press is a powerful exercise for developing your chest muscles. This exercise provides stability and focus on the chest, allowing you to work on muscle growth and strength with precision. Execution Set the bench in the Smith Machine to a flat position. Lie on the b

Chest Strength Training
Smith Machine Incline Bench Press

Smith Machine Incline Bench Press

The bench press, or 'bench pressing', is one of the most popular exercises in strength training. It is also one of the three powerlifting exercises (alongside the squat and deadlift). It is a compound exercise that engages several large muscle groups. The chest muscles and the front of the shoulder

Chest Strength Training
Smith Machine Incline Press

Smith Machine Incline Press

If you are looking for an effective way to train your upper body, the Smith Machine Incline Press is an excellent choice. This exercise combines the benefits of stability with the ability to lift heavy, challenging your chest muscles, shoulders, and triceps in a unique way. Execution Set the ben

Chest Strength Training
Smith Machine Shoulder Press

Smith Machine Shoulder Press

The Smith Machine Shoulder Press is a fantastic exercise for strengthening and shaping your shoulders. The guided movement provides a unique way to train your shoulder muscles safely and effectively. Execution Set the bench in the Smith Machine to an upright or slightly reclined position. Sit

Shoulders Strength Training
Smith Machine Wide-Grip Upright Row

Smith Machine Wide-Grip Upright Row

The barbell upright row is an exercise targeting all heads of the deltoid (shoulder muscle). Although it is mainly performed for the rear head of the shoulder, studies show that the middle and front heads work approximately equally hard as well. Still, it is not surprising that this exercise is aime

Shoulders Strength Training
Smith Shoulder Press

Smith Shoulder Press

The shoulder press is an exercise that works all three heads of the deltoid (but not to the same extent). This is the deltoid-shaped muscle responsible for lifting the upper arm. The pectoralis major also helps lift the arms. This particularly applies to the fibers that run from the clavicle to the

Shoulders Strength Training
Smith Upright Row

Smith Upright Row

The barbell upright row is an exercise targeting all heads of the deltoid (shoulder muscle). Although it is primarily performed for the rear head of the shoulder, studies show that the middle and front heads work approximately equally hard as well. Nevertheless, it is not surprising that this exerci

Shoulders Strength Training