Seated dumbbell shoulder press

[cinch]

What angle would you recommend the back pad to be at 90 degrees, just less than 90, or even less steep?
Obviously the steeper the back pad the more strict the movement for the delts but if you use a less steep angle you can push more weight.

What do others use?

[HandyX]

I don't have a back rest so I have no option but to sit bolt upright. I suppose this means I use less weight but because form is strict due to using my back and stomache etc. I still get the same effect on the muscles.

If I had a back rest I think I'd use 90deg because the weight would then be directly above the shoulders, leaning back slightly might act like a steep incline bench press. I could be wrong, just my thoughts.

[cinch]

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leaning back slightly might act like a steep incline bench press. I could be wrong, just my thoughts.

Thats what I was thinking. I think shoulder pressing is my worst exercise, Im v weak on it.

[azurian]

I would say close to 90 degrees would be best to isolate the shoulders. Anything less than that, and you're likely to be involving your pecs. That's probably why you can lift more weight at an angle.

I hate shoulder presses, but they seem very effective.

[AlexTemper]

Around 80.

Bolt upright and you have more chance of compressing your spine or hyper extending your back.

[tru]

Ye, as alex said about 80 - I find arnold presses hit my shoulders more than normal presses.

[hg1]

As the last 2 posts, i use just below the 90 angle.

[Bison]

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Around 80.

Bolt upright and you have more chance of compressing your spine or hyper extending your back.

Agreed. 80 degree's is much safer and also allows you to concentrate on the movement better and thus have better form imho. Arnold Press especially benefits from the lower angle

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I don't have a back rest so I have no option but to sit bolt upright. I suppose this means I use less weight but because form is strict due to using my back and stomache etc. I still get the same effect on the muscles.

If I had a back rest I think I'd use 90deg because the weight would then be directly above the shoulders, leaning back slightly might act like a steep incline bench press. I could be wrong, just my thoughts.

Personally if I didn't have a back rest I'd probably just stick to standing press movements most of the time mate.

You'll also get a better core workout..?

[cinch]

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Agreed. 80 degree's is much safer and also allows you to concentrate on the movement better and thus have better form imho. Arnold Press especially benefits from the lower angle

Do you recommend arnold presses? Im following upper/ lower split over 4 workouts, I might try dumbbell shoulder presses in one then Arnold presses in the other. I jus dont seem to be making any progress, this may be because my delts are already fatigued after training my chest but even still I should see some increase in strength.

[tru]

I did hang clean push presses, seated arnold presses, lateral raises and rear flyes for my shoulders and they've come on hugely.