Dumbbell strength

Upper body with dumbbells

Shoulders, arms, chest and back — paired exercises with short rests to keep it moving.

22min
Intermediate Low impact DumbbellsSturdy chair
Two adjustable dumbbell handles with cast-iron plates on a grey floor
Photo: Singlespeedfahrer, CC0

Pairs of exercises (push then pull) let one set of muscles rest while the other works. Complete two rounds.

The plan

Warm-up 3 min 45 sec

  • March on the spot1 min 30 sec
  • Heel digs with punches45 sec
  • Shoulder rolls30 sec
  • Small knee bends30 sec
  • Arm circles, small to large30 sec

Main set 2 rounds — rest 1 min between rounds

ExerciseEach roundRest after
Dumbbell shoulder press 10 reps 30 sec
Bent-over dumbbell row 12 reps 30 sec
Incline press-up 10 reps 30 sec
Biceps curl 12 reps 30 sec
Overhead triceps extension 12 reps 30 sec
Lateral raise
Light weights
10 reps 30 sec
Band pull-apart
Optional — use a band if you have one
15 reps 30 sec

Cool-down 2 min

  • Chest stretch, hands clasped behind you20 sec
  • Overhead triceps stretch, left20 sec
  • Overhead triceps stretch, right20 sec
  • Neck rotation, slowly to each side30 sec
  • Child's pose30 sec

This workout is part of: 4-week dumbbell foundations.

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