Overhead Stretch (Dumbbell)

Level
beginner
Equipment
dumbbell
Category
stretching
Primary Muscles
Secondary Muscles

A stretching exercise using light dumbbells held overhead to improve shoulder mobility and flexibility.

Instructions

  1. Stand or sit upright with dumbbells held at shoulder height.
  2. Press the dumbbells overhead to full arm extension.
  3. Allow the dumbbells to move slightly behind your head while maintaining arm extension.
  4. Feel a stretch through your shoulders, chest, and lats.
  5. Hold the stretched position for 15-30 seconds while breathing deeply.
  6. Return to the starting position.
  7. Repeat for the prescribed number of stretches or duration.

Tips

  • Use very light weight to focus on the stretch without resistance
  • Breathe deeply throughout the stretch; do not hold your breath
  • Allow gravity to gently pull the dumbbells to deepen the stretch
  • Keep your core engaged to protect your lower back
  • This is best performed after warm-up or at the end of your workout

Recommended starting values

Sensible novice starting points for each goal, for a lifter aged 25–40. Scale down for smaller frames or older lifters. Treat the first set of any session as a discovery set.

Goal Sets Hold Weight
Male Female
Gain strength 3 25 s 9 kg 5 kg
Build muscle 3 40 s 8 kg 4 kg
Build endurance 3 1 min 6 kg 3 kg