Upper
6 exercises · ~40 min
- 1Dumbbell Bench PressDumbbell3 × 8-10
- 2One-Arm Dumbbell RowDumbbell3 × 10 each
- 3Dumbbell Shoulder PressDumbbell3 × 8-10
- 4Reverse FlyesDumbbell2 × 12-15
- 5Dumbbell Bicep CurlDumbbell2 × 10-12
- 62 × 10-12
Lower
6 exercises · ~55 min
- 1Goblet SquatDumbbell3 × 10
- 2Dumbbell Romanian DeadliftDumbbell3 × 8-10
- 3Bulgarian Split SquatDumbbell3 × 8 each
- 4Dumbbell Hip ThrustDumbbell3 × 10-12
- 5Standing Dumbbell Calf RaiseDumbbell3 × 12-15
- 6PlankBodyweight3 × 30s
Sets and reps are the beginner defaults: heavy compound lifts at 3 × 5-8 with two to three minutes of rest, everything else at 3 × 8-15 with about a minute. Change them to suit you.
Dumbbell Upper / Lower questions, answered
Can you build muscle with dumbbells?
Yes. Muscle responds to hard sets taken close to failure, and dumbbells get you there as well as a barbell does.
What dumbbell weight do I need?
A pair of adjustables reaching at least 50 lbs each covers a beginner's first year. Fixed pairs work if you own several weights.
How do I train legs without a rack?
Goblet squats, Bulgarian split squats, Romanian deadlifts and hip thrusts. Single leg work makes lighter dumbbells feel heavy.
Read next
Dumbbell press hurts my shoulder. What now?
Drop the bench angle to 15 or 30 degrees, turn your palms in, and stop the weights level with your chest instead of below it.
How to do farmers walks at home
Two heavy things, one in each hand, walk until your grip is about to go. Dumbbells work, and so do water jugs, buckets and a loaded suitcase.
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