Cuban Press: how to do it and muscles worked

The cuban press mainly works your shoulders and rear delts. You need dumbbells.

Muscles worked

How to do the cuban press

  1. 1

    Stand tall holding a light dumbbell in each hand at your thighs. Start by lifting your arms into an upright row, with your elbows out to the sides at shoulder height.

  2. 2

    With your upper arms staying level, rotate your forearms up so the dumbbells point to the ceiling. Then press the weights overhead until your arms are straight.

  3. 3

    Reverse the path slowly, back to the row position and then your thighs. Breathe out as you press and in as you return.

Form tip: Use very light weights; this move is about control and shoulder health, so keep your elbows at shoulder height.

Common questions

Which muscles does the cuban press work?
The cuban press mainly works your shoulders and rear delts.
What equipment do I need for the cuban press?
You need dumbbells.
How many sets and reps should I do?
A common starting point is 2 to 4 sets of 8 to 12 controlled reps, with a weight that leaves a couple of reps in reserve. Adjust it to your goal and experience, and stop if something hurts.
How do I track the cuban press in SweatByte?
Add it to a routine or a workout. Log the weight and reps for each set. SweatByte shows your last session's numbers on every set, so you know what to beat.

More shoulders exercises

General information, not medical advice. Learn the movement with light weight first, and see a doctor or physiotherapist if you have an injury or pain. More guides in Learn.

Cuban Press: how to do it and muscles worked · SweatByte