Are you looking for a workout that truly pushes your limits? Do you want to feel every muscle working together, building real power and endurance? Then you just might be ready to take on the devil press, a movement that gets its name from how incredibly tough it is, yet also how rewarding it can be. It is a very demanding exercise that asks a lot from your body, but it gives back so much in return.
This exercise, the devil press, is a compound movement. It uses two dumbbells. You combine a burpee with a double dumbbell snatch. This creates one single, flowing repetition. It works your whole body, from your legs to your core to your shoulders. So, it's almost like a full-body challenge in a single motion. It is a pretty unique way to train.
In this article, we will go over what the devil press is all about. We will look at how to do it correctly. We will also talk about why it is so good for you. You will find tips to make your form better. We will even share some workout ideas. You will definitely learn how to make this exercise a part of your fitness routine. It is a really good one to know.
Table of Contents
- What is the Devil Press?
- Why Take on the Devil Press?
- Getting Ready for the Devil Press
- How to Do the Devil Press: Step by Step
- Tips for a Better Devil Press
- Common Mistakes to Look Out For
- Workouts Using the Devil Press
- Frequently Asked Questions About the Devil Press
- Taking on the Challenge
What is the Devil Press?
The devil press is a full-body exercise. It combines two different moves. You perform a burpee. Then you follow it with a double dumbbell ground to overhead lift. This means you start on the floor. You end with the weights over your head. It is a compound exercise, so it works many muscles at once. It is often seen in functional training programs. You might see it in high-intensity workouts. It really does make you work hard.
The Name's Story
You might wonder why it has such a name. Well, the name "devil press" comes from how incredibly hard this exercise is. It is, in fact, one heck of an exercise. The word "devil" itself, you know, comes from the Greek word "diabolos." This word means something like "slanderer" or "accuser." In many stories, the devil is a figure that tries to create problems. It is seen as a force that challenges you. It is also seen as a tempter of humankind. It is a symbol of things that bring suffering or pain. So, in a workout, this movement can feel like a nemesis. It really pushes you to your limits. It challenges your will to keep going. It is like it is tempting you to quit. But, honestly, overcoming that challenge is part of the reward. It is a truly demanding movement.
Why Take on the Devil Press?
There are many good reasons to add the devil press to your exercise routine. This movement is very efficient. It works a lot of your body in a short amount of time. It helps you get stronger. It also helps you build up your conditioning. You will find that your fitness levels go up. It is a really good way to improve your overall physical ability. It is a bit like a secret weapon for your workouts.
Whole Body Effort
This exercise makes your whole body work. Your legs push you up from the ground. Your core muscles hold you steady. Your arms and shoulders lift the weights overhead. It is a true test of how well your body parts work together. You are using your strength. You are also using your coordination. It is a full-body compound exercise. So, you get a lot done with each single repetition. It is quite effective for building muscle across many areas.
Builds Your Staying Power
Because it uses so many muscles, the devil press makes your heart and lungs work hard. This helps build your conditioning. It means you can do more work for longer periods. Your endurance will get better. You will find that other exercises feel easier. It is a great way to improve your cardiovascular fitness. It really does help you keep going when things get tough. This is a pretty big plus for any athlete.
Helps Your Mind Grow Stronger
Taking on the devil press is not just about your body. It is also about your mind. This exercise is very tough. It will make you want to stop. But pushing through that feeling builds mental toughness. You learn to overcome challenges. You learn to keep going even when it feels hard. This mental strength can help you in other parts of your life too. It is a rather good way to test your resolve. You know, it is about facing that inner voice that says "stop."
Getting Ready for the Devil Press
Before you start doing the devil press, you need to prepare a few things. Picking the right weights is important. Making sure you have enough space is also key. These steps will help you stay safe. They will also help you get the most out of the exercise. It is just good to be ready before you begin.
Picking Your Weights
You will need two dumbbells for this exercise. The weight of these dumbbells matters a lot. If they are too heavy, you might hurt yourself. If they are too light, you will not get the full benefit. Start with a weight that lets you do the full movement with good form. You should be able to control the weights. As you get stronger, you can slowly increase the weight. It is better to start light and then move up. You know, listen to your body always.
Your Space Matters
You need enough room to do the devil press safely. You will be moving your body and the dumbbells a lot. Make sure there is nothing in your way. Clear the area around you. This will prevent you from hitting anything. It will also prevent you from falling. A clear space helps you focus on the movement. It is honestly just a basic safety step. You want to have plenty of room to move freely.
How to Do the Devil Press: Step by Step
Doing the devil press correctly is very important. It helps you get the most out of the exercise. It also helps you avoid getting hurt. Follow these steps carefully. Practice each part of the movement. This will help you master the whole thing. As demonstrated by experts like Carleigh, proper form makes a difference. It is a bit like learning to dance, you know, one step at a time.
Starting Position
Place two dumbbells on the floor. They should be just in front of your feet. Your feet should be about shoulder-width apart. Stand tall. Your hands should be ready to grab the dumbbells. Your body should be in a good, balanced position. This is where every repetition begins. It is the foundation for the whole movement. You want to feel steady here.
The Ground Work
Bend down and grab the dumbbells. Your hands should be on the handles. Kick your feet back. Land in a plank position. Your body should be straight. Your core should be tight. Do a push-up. Your chest should touch the ground. Then push back up. This is the burpee part of the movement. It is a really important part for building full-body control. You want to make sure your body stays in a line.
Getting Up
From the push-up position, jump your feet forward. Your feet should land outside your hands. The dumbbells should still be on the floor between your feet. Keep your back straight. Your chest should be up. This is the transition part. It sets you up for the next big lift. You want to be quick but controlled here. It is about getting your body ready for the next phase.
The Overhead Move
Now, this is the powerful part. Keep holding the dumbbells. Use your legs and hips to stand up fast. As you stand, swing the dumbbells up. They should go in one smooth motion. Bring them overhead. Your arms should be straight. The dumbbells should be locked out above your head. This is the snatch part. It is a very explosive movement. You want to use your whole body's momentum here. It is like you are throwing the weights up, but with control.
Bringing it Down
To finish the repetition, bring the dumbbells back down. Control their descent. Lower them to the floor. Place them gently in front of your feet. Get ready for the next repetition. This controlled lowering is important. It protects your joints. It also prepares you for the next go. It is a rather smooth way to end the movement. You want to make sure you are not just dropping them.
Tips for a Better Devil Press
Doing the devil press well takes practice. Here are some tips to help you improve your form. These tips will make the exercise safer. They will also make it more effective. Pay attention to these small details. They can make a big difference. It is pretty much about getting the most out of each movement. You know, little things add up.
Keep Your Middle Tight
Your core muscles are very important in the devil press. Keep them engaged throughout the whole movement. This means holding your stomach muscles firm. A tight core helps protect your lower back. It also helps you transfer power from your legs to your upper body. It is like having a strong center. This helps you move as one unit. It is definitely a key part of staying safe and strong.
Move Smoothly
Try to make the whole movement flow. It should not be jerky. One part should lead smoothly into the next. From the burpee to the snatch, it should feel connected. This smooth motion helps you use your body's momentum. It also saves energy. It makes the exercise feel less choppy. You want to create a continuous wave of motion. It is, in a way, like a dance with weights.
Breathe Right
Breathing correctly helps you perform better. Exhale as you push up from the burpee. Breathe out as you lift the dumbbells overhead. Inhale as you lower the weights. Proper breathing gives your muscles the oxygen they need. It also helps you control your movements. It is a simple thing, but it is really important. You know, breath is power.
Warm Up First
Always warm up your body before doing the devil press. Do some light cardio. Do some dynamic stretches. This prepares your muscles for the work ahead. It helps prevent injuries. A good warm-up gets your blood flowing. It also gets your joints ready to move. It is basically a must for any tough exercise. You want your body to be ready to go.
Common Mistakes to Look Out For
Even with good instructions, people sometimes make mistakes. Knowing what to watch out for can help you fix your form. Avoiding these common errors will make your devil press better. It will also keep you safer. It is good to be aware of what can go wrong. You know, learning from others' experiences helps a lot.
Rushing Through
Some people try to do the devil press too fast. They rush through the movements. This can lead to bad form. It can also increase the risk of injury. Focus on doing each part of the movement with control. Speed will come with practice. It is better to do fewer repetitions with good form. This is definitely better than many with bad form. Take your time, especially when you are just starting out.
Bad Back Shape
A common mistake is letting your back round or arch too much. This happens especially during the burpee part. It also happens when lifting the weights. Keep your back straight. Your core should be firm. A bad back shape can cause pain. It can also lead to serious injury. Always think about keeping your spine in a neutral position. This is a very important point for safety.
Not Using Your Legs
Some people try to lift the dumbbells mostly with their arms and shoulders. This puts too much strain on those areas. The devil press is a leg-driven movement. Use your powerful leg and hip muscles to create the lift. Your arms are mostly there to guide the weights. Using your legs makes the movement stronger. It also makes it safer. You want to drive through your feet. It is basically a full-body push.
Workouts Using the Devil Press
Once you feel good about your devil press form, you can add it to your workouts. This exercise can be used in many ways. It works well in quick sessions. It also fits into longer challenges. Here are some ideas to get you started. These will help you challenge your strength. They will also challenge your conditioning. It is a really versatile movement for any fitness plan.
Quick Sessions
For a fast workout, try doing a few sets of devil presses. You could do 3 sets of 8-10 repetitions. Rest for a minute between sets. This will get your heart rate up. It will also work your whole body quickly. Another idea is to do an "Every Minute On the Minute" (EMOM) workout. Do 5 devil presses at the start of each minute. Rest for the rest of the minute. Do this for 10-15 minutes. It is a very effective way to get a lot done in a short time. You know, short and sweet, but powerful.
Longer Challenges
For a tougher workout, combine the devil press with other exercises. You could do a circuit. For example, do 7 devil presses, then 10 pull-ups, then a 400-meter run. Repeat this for 3-5 rounds. This kind of workout will really test your endurance. It will also test your mental toughness. You can also try doing a high number of repetitions for time. For instance, try to do 50 devil presses as fast as you can. Break them up into smaller sets if needed. It is a pretty good way to push your limits. You will feel that burn, for sure.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Devil Press
People often have questions about this exercise. Here are some common ones, with answers to help you out. We hope these help clear up any confusion you might have. It is good to get all your questions answered. You know, knowledge is power when it comes to working out.
What muscles does the devil press work?
The devil press works many muscles. It uses your legs, like your quads and glutes. Your core muscles, like your abs and lower back, get a workout. Your chest, shoulders, and triceps are also involved. It is a truly full-body exercise. It works almost everything from head to toe. So, it is a pretty efficient way to build muscle all over.
Is the devil press a good cardio exercise?
Yes, the devil press can be a very good cardio exercise. Because it uses so many muscles and involves a lot of movement, it raises your heart rate quickly. Doing multiple repetitions


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