Arnold Press vs. Classic Shoulder Press At first glance, they look similar.But here’s the technical difference: Arnold Press starts with the elbows in front (shoulder adduction), then goes into abduction external rotation during the press. Classic Shoulder Press starts directly in abduction, pressing straight up in the scapular plane.So, the only real difference?Initial shoulder adduction later abduction in Arnold Press.But that doesn’t offer any major hypertrophy or functional advantage. In fac