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Speed for this exercise

Dumbbell Z Press

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4sets
6-8reps
120srest
~5.5kcal/min

How to do it

Muscles worked

Secondary
TricepsAbsTraps

Secondary muscles help but are not the main target

See the full tier list · Shoulders

Feel it right

Where you should feel it, the one cue to remember, and quick fixes when you feel it somewhere else.

You should feel it inShoulders

Front and side of the shoulders, with triceps helping at the top.

Key cue (the coach says it during the set)“Ribs down, brace, press straight up.”

Tempo · Lower 2 s · press 1 s

Choosing the load: Pick a weight you finish with 1–2 good reps left. 4+ left = too light; form breaks = too heavy.

Feel it somewhere else? Fix it like this

  • Feel it in Lower backLeaning back and arching to press. Squeeze glutes and abs, or sit with back support, and lighten the load.
  • Feel it in Neck / upper trapsShrugging from the start. Begin with shoulders down; let them rise only at the very top.
  • Feel it in Back of armsElbows flared behind the body. Bring the elbows slightly forward, under the wrists.
  • Barely felt itToo light or too fast. Lower for 3 seconds, pause 1 second at the stretch, and pick a load that leaves only 1–2 reps in the tank.
  • Joint painSharp or joint pain is a stop sign: end this set, lower the weight, shorten the range — if it repeats, switch to an easier variation.

During a workout we ask after the first set where you felt it and give the fix right away — and remember it for next time.

Tips

  • With no leg drive or backrest, any core weakness shows — go lighter and keep every rep strict.
  • If you can't sit upright with straight legs, bend your knees slightly or sit on a folded mat.

Common mistakes

  • Rounding the lower back and leaning back to force the weight up.

Breathing

Inhale and brace at the bottom, exhale as you reach lockout.

Equipment needed

Recommended by goal

Build muscle3–4 sets × 8–12 reps · rest 60–90 s
Strength4–5 sets × 4–6 reps · rest 2–3 min
Endurance2–3 sets × 15–20 reps · rest 30–45 s

Variations of this move

Alternatives for the same muscle