Shoulders
The main area this variation is designed to train.
Exercise guide
See-Saw Press (Alternating Side Press)
Learn how to do the See-Saw Press (Alternating Side Press) exercise, which muscles it works, the equipment you need, and common mistakes to avoid.
Dumbbell
Use this to decide whether the movement fits your current setup.
Intermediate
A quick checkpoint for how simple or technical the movement usually feels.
Shoulders
Secondary support can come from Core, Arms.
Strength
Movement pattern: press. This is a compound exercise.
Learning and repeating well
Use this page to understand the setup first, then track the movement consistently in Logbook once it fits your program.
Instructions
How to do See-Saw Press (Alternating Side Press)
Keep the setup simple, use a controlled pace, and repeat the same movement pattern each rep.
- Grab a dumbbell with each hand and stand up erect.
- Clean (lift) the dumbbells to the chest/shoulder level and then rotate your wrists so that your palms are facing towards you as if you were getting ready to perform an Arnold Press. This will be your starting position.
- Now start extending your left arm overhead as you rotate the wrist so that the palm of your hand faces forward as you go up. Your elbows should come out also as you lift the weight. Simultaneously, you will also be bending from your hip to your opposite side. Tip: If you perform the exercise correctly, is should look as if you are trying to reach for something overhead on the right hand side of your body, but with your left arm. Breathe out as you perform this movement.
- Once you reach the top position breathe in. Then, with the weight fully extended overhead and you bent over to your right hand side, begin the movement to the left side.
- Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Benefits
- Builds strength and control through the shoulders region.
- Trains multiple joints at once, which can make your sessions more efficient.
- Gives you a repeatable way to track progress inside Logbook over time.
Common mistakes
- Using more weight or speed than you can control cleanly.
- Letting momentum do the work instead of controlling the full rep.
- Changing your body position between reps instead of keeping the movement repeatable.
Related workouts
Workout templates that use this exercise.
If you want to see this movement inside a more complete training session, start here.
3-Day Full Body Split
A three-day split that spreads total weekly work across three full-body sessions.
View workout4-Day Upper Lower Split
A simple four-day split that gives each half of the body two quality sessions each week.
View workout5-Day Bodybuilding Split
A traditional five-day bodybuilding split for lifters who enjoy focusing on one or two regions per session.
View workoutBeginner Dumbbell Workout
A full-body dumbbell session that works well in a home gym or a crowded commercial gym.
View workoutRelated exercises
More exercises in the same lane.
Use these when you want a similar movement pattern, a different setup, or more exercise options for the same target area.
Arnold Dumbbell Press
Arnold Dumbbell Press is a intermediate strength that mainly trains your shoulders using dumbbell.
View exerciseDumbbell One-Arm Shoulder Press
Dumbbell One-Arm Shoulder Press is a intermediate strength that mainly trains your shoulders using dumbbell.
View exerciseDumbbell One-Arm Upright Row
Dumbbell One-Arm Upright Row is a intermediate strength that mainly trains your shoulders using dumbbell.
View exerciseDumbbell Shoulder Press
Dumbbell Shoulder Press is a intermediate strength that mainly trains your shoulders using dumbbell.
View exerciseFAQ
Common questions about See-Saw Press (Alternating Side Press).
Use these answers as a practical starting point, then adjust based on your setup, comfort, and goals.
What muscles does See-Saw Press (Alternating Side Press) work?
See-Saw Press (Alternating Side Press) mainly works the shoulders. It can also involve core, arms depending on your setup and range of motion.
Is See-Saw Press (Alternating Side Press) beginner-friendly?
It is listed as intermediate, so newer lifters may want to start lighter or use a simpler variation first.
What equipment do I need for See-Saw Press (Alternating Side Press)?
You will usually need Dumbbell for this variation.
How should I progress See-Saw Press (Alternating Side Press)?
Start by making the reps smoother and more repeatable. Once the whole set looks controlled, add a small amount of load or one extra rep at a time.
Track this exercise for free in Logbook.
Once the movement is in your plan, use Logbook to record sets, reps, load, and progress without guessing what happened last week.
Download on the App Store