Power Partials

A beginner strength exercise for the shoulders, done with a dumbbell.

Main muscles: Shoulders
Equipment: Dumbbell
Level: Beginner
Type: Isolation
Movement: Push

How to do the Power Partials

Stand up with your torso upright and a dumbbell on each hand being held at arms length. The elbows should be close to the torso.
The palms of the hands should be facing your torso. Your feet should be about shoulder width apart. This will be your starting position.
Keeping your arms straight and the torso stationary, lift the weights out to your sides until they are about shoulder level height while exhaling.
Feel the contraction for a second and begin to lower the weights back down to the starting position while inhaling. Tip: Keep the palms facing down with the little finger slightly higher while lifting and lowering the weights as it will concentrate the stress on your shoulders mainly.
Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

Sets and reps

Muscle	3–4 sets of 10–15 reps, rest 60–90 seconds
Pump or finisher	2–3 sets of 15–20 reps, rest 45–60 seconds

Log every set in MyoStats and it works out your estimated one-rep max and suggests the next weight or rep target, so you keep progressing without guessing.

Alternatives to the Power Partials

Questions

What muscles does the Power Partials work?

Mainly the shoulders.

Is the Power Partials good for beginners?

Yes. It's rated a beginner exercise: start light and learn the movement before adding weight.

What can I do instead of the Power Partials?

Good alternatives that train the shoulders: Alternating Deltoid Raise, Bent Over Dumbbell Rear Delt Raise With Head On Bench, Dumbbell Incline Shoulder Raise or Dumbbell Scaption.

How many sets and reps of the Power Partials should I do?

Muscle: 3–4 sets of 10–15 reps, rest 60–90 seconds. Pump or finisher: 2–3 sets of 15–20 reps, rest 45–60 seconds.

Exercise steps and photos: free-exercise-db (public domain).