What is a good amount of reps for shoulder press?

Author: Bernita Mitchell  |  Last update: Saturday, December 13, 2025

Generally, a lower rep range of about 1–5 reps per set (>85% of 1RM) is most effective for strength gains, while a medium-high rep range of about 8–15 reps per set is the most effective and practical for muscle growth.

How many reps should I do if I shoulder press?

If you're new to the movement, start with a lighter weight in each hand. Once you've nailed proper form and it starts to feel easy, you can progress to heavier weights. In terms of volume, a safe target for general exercisers is three sets of 8 to 12 repetitions, Williams says. This rep range will help build muscle.

Is 3 sets of shoulder press enough?

3 sets are enough if you work out at a high intensity until you need a spotter and focus or Isolate the muscle you are working on.

Is 135 lbs shoulder press good?

It turns out that if you can lift 135 pounds overhead, you're stronger than most guys who have been lifting all their lives.

Is benching 135 impressive?

You'll fit in just fine at any casual commercial gym. Most experienced lifters do their working sets with 135–200 pounds on the bar. If you want a more impressive bench press, aim for at least a few casual reps with 225 pounds.

The Most "Effective" Way to Build Your Shoulders (QUICKLY)

Is 70lb dumbell shoulder press good?

The average Dumbbell Shoulder Press weight for a male lifter is 71 lb (1RM). This makes you Intermediate on Strength Level and is a very impressive lift.

Do high reps build muscle?

Strength-training workouts that employ low weights and high reps are good for your heart and lungs as well as building muscles. This includes high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts, which entail alternating between pushing your body hard and taking short breaks.

How often should you shoulder press?

To build bigger, stronger shoulder muscles, we recommend performing dedicated shoulder press workouts at least twice per week. The deltoids are complex and require frequent stimulation to grow. Be sure to allow at least 48 hours of recovery time between heavy shoulder press sessions to avoid overtraining and injury.

Is 2 sets till failure good for muscle growth?

“If you're aiming for muscle growth, training closer to failure might be more effective. In other words, it doesn't matter if you adjust training volume by changing sets or reps; the relationship between how close you train to failure and muscle growth remains the same,” said Michael C. Zourdos, Ph.

How much should a man press?

After one to two years of consistent training, the average guy should be able to lift the following weight on the four main barbell lifts: Squat: 1.75x bodyweight. Deadlift: 2x bodyweight. Press: 0.9x bodyweight.

Why is overhead press so hard?

The overhead press is commonly associated as a harder exercise to perform because you aren't pushing against a mass that doesn't move (as you would in a bench press for example), it requires using multiple muscles at one time where deficiencies can become more prominent, the primary muscles are relatively smaller ...

What is a good bench by weight?

Men should aim to bench press their body weight as a starting point. Women should aim for half to three-quarters of their body weight. A man weighing 170 lbs should aim for a 170 lbs bench press. A reasonable goal for a woman weighing 140 lbs is a 70-105 lbs bench press.

Why are my shoulders so weak?

Weakness of the shoulder can come from deficits in coordination nerve muscle or tendon. Often weak shoulders will respond to a gradually progressive strengthening program. If shoulder weakness does not respond to these exercises it may be due to a rotator cuff problem or a nerve injury.

Are high reps better for shoulders?

The deltoids respond to all rep ranges, from low to high, and should be trained as such. For example, heavy overhead press variations can be performed in lower rep ranges (<8) to build size and strength (primarily in the anterior delts), while the medial and rear delts respond better to moderate to high reps (8-20).

What is a good shoulder press weight?

The average Machine Shoulder Press weight for a male lifter is 170 lb (1RM). This makes you Intermediate on Strength Level and is a very impressive lift. What is a good Machine Shoulder Press? Male beginners should aim to lift 54 lb (1RM) which is still impressive compared to the general population.

Is 4 sets of shoulder press enough?

4 to 8 sets per muscle per week is now your minimum. If that's what you were doing as a beginner, you'll want to aim for 8 to 15 sets per muscle per week. At this point, your weekly volume will be much more manageable if you train three to five days a week, working each muscle at least twice.

Should I shoulder press at 90 degrees?

Adjusting the bench to a 75-degree angle (instead of 90 degrees) reduces strain on your rotator cuff, making it safer and more shoulder friendly. This angle allows for better mobility, less joint compression, and greater engagement of your delts.

What are the disadvantages of shoulder press?

Disadvantages of the Smith Machine Shoulder Press

This could place unnecessary stress on your shoulders and elbows, increasing the risk of injury over time. Reduced Core Activation: Free weight exercises require significant core engagement to stabilize the body.

Is it better to lift heavier or more reps?

Research suggests lifting smaller weights and doing more repetitions (or, in gym parlance, “reps”) can have a role to play – but it all depends on your goals. In short: if your goal is to build serious strength and bone density, lifting heavy is an efficient way to do it.

Is 3 sets of 10 enough to build muscle?

This holds that regardless of whether you're trying to build muscle, strength, power, or endurance, performing three sets of 10 reps per exercise is a good place to start. The scheme mostly works, especially if you're just starting out with strength training—because everything works in the beginning.

Are 20 reps too much?

On the other hand, Sheridan says that beginners just looking to tone up might aim for a maximum of 20 reps per set. “If you can implement above 20 reps, there is a chance that you are practicing with light or easy weights, which will not help you improve or grow,” he warns.

Should shoulder press be heavier than bicep curl?

As you are beginner, focus on correct from and technique , instead of lifting more weight. Ideally, people can shoulder press more than biceps curls as 2 joints are involved in shoulder press. But, its ok that even in future someone able to lift same amount of weight.

How many reps of shoulder press for hypertrophy?

A moderate repetition scheme with moderate loads (from 8 to 12 repetitions per set with 60% to 80% of 1RM) optimizes hypertrophic gains. A high repetition scheme with light loads (15+ repetitions per set with loads below 60% of 1RM) optimizes local muscular endurance improvements.

Is a 100 lb overhead press good?

What is the average overhead press? The average overhead press is 126 lb for men and 66 lb for women. This makes you an intermediate lifter and stronger than 50% of StrengthLog's users.

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