DB Arnold Presses

[OdinsOtherSon]

Is there enough difference in angle of attack between standard DB presses and Arnold presses to warrant incorporating both or would that simply be a redundant series of movements.

[papathesmurf]

Arnold apparently would do both Standing barbell press along with the Arnold presses in the same routine.

However the Arnold press was derived from the seated dumbell press for "stimulation of front deltoid at the beginning of the movement leading into more stimulation and stress on the middle delt at the top of the movement. "

I don't think there is a problem with doing both if you have enough time in your schedule to allow for a longer workout however it's not really necessary.

[CaptainGoose]

I recently started doing Arnold presses when I saw the biggest guy in my gym do them. I see them as extending the range of motion with a normal press which would be an accessory to improving your standard DB presses. I've actually replaced the standard DB press with the Arnold press at the moment to further work on my front delts. I think when I go back to regular DB presses they will be a lot easier to manage.

[jimmyinkedup]

I have always done both but I did drop a set from each when I was training that way. (does that make sense? In other words where I would normally do 3 sets of each exercise when doing both of these movements I did 2 regular presses and 2 arnold presses, follow me?)
Now I do HIT almost exclusively so they are both single sets with assisted reps and negatives to failure. I love arnold presses, its a very natural motion and takes strain off of my rotator cuff I feel.

[hellomycognomen]

Is there enough difference in angle of attack between standard DB presses and Arnold presses to warrant incorporating both or would that simply be a redundant series of movements.

I would say no, there is not enough of a difference. The rotation of the wrist does not affect the shoulder to any significant degree if any. I'm personally not a fan of over head presses in general. If the goal is to maximize shoulder stimulation IMO nothing is better than front/side/rear raises. If you are seeking variety just change the resistance curves of these exercises.

[DCI]

I have always done both but I did drop a set from each when I was training that way. (does that make sense? In other words where I would normally do 3 sets of each exercise when doing both of these movements I did 2 regular presses and 2 arnold presses, follow me?)
Now I do HIT almost exclusively so they are both single sets with assisted reps and negatives to failure. I love arnold presses, its a very natural motion and takes strain off of my rotator cuff I feel.

Exactly what the big man said.

[Buster Brown]

Weather or not you will really see your front delts pop from them is debatable however they are a great movement to throw into your rotation to assist in avoiding adaptation. Try doing them standing, sitting, alternate arms left, right, left, right, etc. or try left, right, both. There's four different possibilities right there. Same thing for barbell presses.....do them standing, seated... Even try them kneeling using the smith machine for a change up.

[Bio-Active]

I would say probably not. I do one or the other and then incorporate side and front lateral raises. I get a good workout on front delts on chest day doing incline press

[CaptainGoose]

Have been doing Arnold Presses sitting for a few weeks but have just started doing them standing last week. After a couple weeks standing I'll probably go back to regular DB presses and see how it has changed.

My D4 Shoulder, Triceps days:
Either DB or Arnold presses
Upright Barbell Row or Single-arm corner Press
DB lateral raises, one arm at a time drop set
Rear DB fly sitting, drop set
Skull crushers
tricep pushdown

For the skull crushers and tricep pushdown I'm going to try JM Presses and Standing One-Arm Dumbbell Triceps Extension as members recommended in another thread today.

With the above routine I find that I get enough stimulation of front, side and read deltoid heads.