Top 6 Dumbbell Exercises for Shoulders

One of the best ways to improve the V-Shape of your physique is by adding width and shape to your shoulders. This also makes the arms look that much more impressive. The area where the arm meets the shoulder just looks incredible when you take the time to develop the delts as needed. The shoulders are so important in physique development that I have dedicated 5 out of the 16 exercises to them. So what exercises are best for this development? Here are the following:

1. Dumbbell Shoulder Press. This movement is a popular compound movement that engages the entire shoulder. Variations such as the Arnold Press are a way to add some spice to the movement for additional results. However you look at it though, a solid compound movement where you're lifting serious weight is a great way to pack on lean mass. (Compound Movement: A lift involving movement in 2 or more joints. Example: Shoulder Press active joints are the shoulders and elbows)

2. Dumbbell Upright Row. This exercise is also a compound movement. You can move considerable weight and spark large muscle gains with the Upright Row. Also hit during this exercise are the Trap muscles. That being said, check out number 5.

3. Dumbbell Shrugs. This is more of a Trap focused movement. You know how powerful a strong set of traps looks. Upright rows and Shrugs are the quickest way to get them. Traps are great but you want to put a large amount of focus on the "shoulder caps." This is where 6 and 7 come into play.

4. Dumbbell Front Raises. With the Front Raise you can do them simultaneously or in alternating fashion. The key here is to do them! This movement adds roundness and fullness to the front side of your shoulder. Though the front side of the shoulder needs work it is imperative to focus on the outer and rear portions to develop a full shoulder. 7 and 7-A will help you with that.

5. Dumbbell Side Raises. This is a basic movement putting all possible emphasis on the outer portion of the shoulder. When done consistently and with intensity you will see width and roundness added to your shoulders. What does that mean? A better V-Shape.

6-A. Variation of the Side Raise. Simply bend forward at the waist and pull the movement towards the back, a.k.a. the Rear Fly. This is the best way to isolate the Rear Delt. This area is SO OFTEN neglected, but it really gives the shoulder the ultimate look! (Why not have 17 exercises making this exercise 8 instead of listing this Variation as 7-A you ask?) Good Question! Moving on.