If the goal is to increase shoulder mass with a dumbbell overhead press, which overload option should be chosen next?

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When focusing on increasing shoulder mass with a dumbbell overhead press, the option to superset the exercise with a lateral raise effectively promotes muscle hypertrophy. Supersets involve performing two exercises back-to-back with minimal rest, which can intensify the workout and enhance muscle fatigue and recruitment. The combination of the overhead press, which primarily targets the deltoids and triceps, with lateral raises, which specifically target the lateral deltoids, can lead to greater overall muscle engagement and growth in the shoulder region.

By pairing these exercises, you're not only increasing the volume of work done in a shorter period but also providing a different stimulus to the muscles involved, thereby encouraging adaptation and development. The additional focus on the lateral raise complements the overhead press, enhancing overall shoulder width and mass.

In comparison, increasing resistance while decreasing repetitions may also contribute to strength gains, but it might not provide the same level of muscle fatigue needed for hypertrophy. Performing the press one arm at a time would change the dynamics of the exercise but not directly impact overall muscle mass on both sides as effectively as the superset approach. Reducing the weight and increasing repetitions can improve muscular endurance rather than mass, which is not aligned with the primary goal of increasing shoulder size.

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