Power Partials
Power Partials is a resistance exercise - shoulder abduction exercise involving Middle deltoid. Use these steps to learn the movement and work with your coach to choose a suitable level.
Last updated: · DynPerformance
- Primary muscles
- Middle deltoid
- Secondary muscles
- Supraspinatus, Serratus anterior, Upper trapezius, Anterior deltoid
- Exercise type
- Resistance exercise - shoulder abduction
Exercise technique
- Start
Hold two dumbbells at your sides with a neutral grip.
- Feet
Stand balanced with your feet shoulder-width apart.
- Arm length
Maintain a small, comfortable elbow bend.
- Lateral raise
Raise your arms out to the sides toward shoulder height.
- Palm alignment
As your hands face down, do not force your thumbs inward.
- Top hold
Pause briefly without moving your torso.
- Lower
Return the weights to your sides under control.
Key technique points
- Raise your arms to shoulder height under control.
- Do not gain height by shrugging.
- Do not use your knees to bounce.
- Do not bend your elbows into a curl.
- Do not tilt your wrists sideways.
- Keep the arm path in a comfortable plane for your shoulders.
Common mistakes
Tiny pumping movements
Small vibrations alone do not use the controlled range to shoulder height.
Excessive internal rotation
This strains shoulder positioning unnecessarily.
Swinging the torso
This lifts the load with momentum.
Shrug dominance
This shifts deltoid work to the upper trapezius.
Bending the elbow
This shortens the lever.
Free-fall descent
This reduces braking on the return.
Frequently asked questions
Power Partials: why is “Tiny pumping movements” a mistake?
Small vibrations alone do not use the controlled range to shoulder height.
Power Partials: why is “Excessive internal rotation” a mistake?
This strains shoulder positioning unnecessarily.
Power Partials: why is “Swinging the torso” a mistake?
This lifts the load with momentum.
Power Partials: why is “Shrug dominance” a mistake?
This shifts deltoid work to the upper trapezius.
Power Partials: why is “Bending the elbow” a mistake?
This shortens the lever.
Power Partials: why is “Free-fall descent” a mistake?
This reduces braking on the return.
What should I focus on when doing Power Partials?
Raise your arms to shoulder height under control. Do not gain height by shrugging. Do not use your knees to bounce. Do not bend your elbows into a curl. Do not tilt your wrists sideways. Keep the arm path in a comfortable plane for your shoulders.
Related exercises
- Kettlebell Arnold Press
- Kettlebell Seated Press
- Kettlebell Seesaw Press
- Lateral Raise - With Bands
- Leverage Shoulder Press
- Exercise Guide
Add this exercise to your program with your coach
If you have a health condition, consult a qualified professional.