Shoulder Press. Works shoulders, upper back, and biceps Grab a dumbbell in each hand and stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent. Hold the dumbbells just above your shoulders, palms facing each other (A). Press the weights up until your arms are straight overhead (B). Hold for 1 second, then take 3 seconds to lower the dumbbells back to start. Do 6 to 8 reps.