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Dumbbell Overhead March

Intermediate
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Dumbbell overhead march holds weights overhead while marching in place to build shoulder stability, core strength, and balance; targets deltoids, abs, and hip flexors for functional conditioning.

About Exercise

Equipment

Dumbbells

Difficulty

3/5 • Intermediate

Primary Muscle Groups

Shoulders, Abs

Secondary Muscles

Traps, Triceps, Quads, Glutes, Hamstrings

Popularity Score

6

Goals

Stability
Conditioning
Strength

Training Style

Functional Training
CrossFit

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Small

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Shoulders

9/10

Anterior Delts, Medial Delts, Rear Delts

Abs

8/10

Rectus Abdominis, Transverse Abdominis

Obliques

7/10

External Obliques, Internal Obliques

Hip Flexors

6/10

Iliopsoas

Traps

4/10

Upper Traps

Triceps

4/10

Quads

4/10

Glutes

3/10

Hamstrings

3/10
Programming

Typical Rep Range

8-20 reps

Rest Between Sets

30-60 seconds

How to Perform

Stand with feet hip-width apart, core braced, and spine neutral. Press two dumbbells overhead with arms fully extended and locked.

  1. Brace core and maintain upright posture.
  2. Lift right knee to hip height while keeping torso stable.
  3. Lower right foot controlled to start position.
  4. Immediately lift left knee to hip height without swaying.
  5. Alternate knees rhythmically while holding weights steady overhead.
  6. Continue for desired reps, focusing on stability.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Core tight, ribs down
  • Weights over shoulders
  • Knees track straight
  • No back arch
  • Balance steady
  • Eyes forward

Breathing

Inhale during knee lift preparation; exhale as you stabilize and lower the foot, maintaining core brace.

Tempo

2-0-2

Range of Motion

Arms fully extended overhead with weights stacked over shoulders; knees lift to hip height without torso lean or arch.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Start with light weights to master form
  • Ensure full shoulder mobility before loading
  • Avoid if acute shoulder or back pain present
  • Use spotter for initial overhead lift if heavy
  • Stop if balance compromised

Spotting

Spotter assists with initial overhead press if weights are heavy; monitor for form breakdown during marches.

Common Mistakes

  • Allowing torso to sway
  • Arching lower back
  • Dropping elbows
  • Rushing marches
  • Leaning forward
  • Hyperextending neck

When to Avoid

  • Shoulder impingement
  • Lower back strain
  • Balance disorders

Flexibility Needed

  • Full shoulder flexion
  • Adequate hip flexion
  • Ankle dorsiflexion

Build Up First

  • Master overhead hold
  • Basic marching coordination
  • Core bracing competency

Also known as

Overhead Dumbbell March, DB Overhead March

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