Sculpting your shoulders doesn’t require a lot of equipment or training – just a set of dumbbells.

Dumbbells are versatile and easy to use, and they can strengthen more than just your muscles. They work your brain, too, as you try to balance and coordinate the movements. And because dumbbells engage more muscles to balance the weight, they help build greater overall stability in the area of focus.

Shoulder strength training can reduce your risk of injury by strengthening your core muscles, which makes you more stable and lessens imbalances.

Good technique is always key, so we asked Andy Coggan, director of the Fitness Academy at Gold’s Gym, for tips and a few of his favorite shoulder exercises.