The Arnold Press is a popular exercise that targets the shoulders, triceps and upper back. It was named after Arnold Schwarzenegger, the iconic bodybuilder and actor, who was known for his impressive shoulder development.
How to do the Arnold Press
To perform the Arnold Press, follow these steps:
- Hold a dumbbell in each hand, with your palms facing your body, and stand with your feet shoulder-width apart.
- Bring the weights up to your shoulders, with your palms facing your body and your elbows bent.
- As you press the weights up, rotate your palms so that they face forward at the top of the movement.
- Pause for a second, then slowly reverse the movement, rotating your palms back to the starting position as you lower the weights to your shoulders.
- Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.
The Arnold Press is a great exercise for building shoulder strength and size, as well as improving overall upper body stability and mobility. It can be performed using a variety of weights, depending on your fitness level and goals.
Variations of the Arnold Press
There are several variations of the Arnold Press that you can try to add variety to your workouts and target different areas of your shoulders. Some of these variations include:
- Seated Arnold Press: Sit on a bench or chair with your back straight and your feet flat on the floor. Perform the Arnold Press as usual.
- Single-Arm Arnold Press: Hold one dumbbell with both hands and perform the Arnold Press with one arm at a time.
- Kneeling Arnold Press: Kneel on the floor with your back straight and your feet flat on the floor. Perform the Arnold Press as usual.
Try incorporating these variations into your workout routine to challenge your muscles in new ways and avoid plateaus.
Benefits of the Arnold Press
The Arnold Press offers several benefits for your upper body, including:
- Improved shoulder strength and size
- Increased upper body stability and mobility
- Targeted triceps and upper back muscles
- Variety in your workout routine
- Challenging your muscles in new ways
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced lifter, the Arnold Press is a great exercise to add to your workout routine. Try incorporating it into your next shoulder workout and see the results for yourself!