Top 10 Classic Dumbbell Exercises You Should Try (From Easy to Difficult)
Dumbbells are a staple in any home or gym workout. They are versatile, affordable, and can be used to work nearly every major muscle group. From shoulder presses to lunges to deadlifts, dumbbells allow you to perform a wide range of exercises to build strength and muscle.
If you're new to strength training or looking to add some new moves to your routine, incorporating dumbbell exercises is a great way to challenge yourself and take your workouts to the next level. Here are 10 of the best classic dumbbell exercises to try:
1. Dumbbell Shoulder Press (Easy)
The dumbbell shoulder press works the deltoids in your shoulders along with your triceps. To perform it, sit on a bench or chair holding a dumbbell in each hand at shoulder height with palms facing forward. Engage your core. Then press the weights straight overhead, pausing at the top of the move. Slowly lower back to the starting position. Keep your elbows tucked in at your sides as you press up and lower down. Do 2-3 sets of 10-15 reps.
This exercise is a simple way to build stronger, more defined shoulders. Go lighter on the weight until you perfect your form. For an extra challenge, try standing shoulder presses for more core activation.
2. Dumbbell Bicep Curl (Easy)
You can't go wrong with a classic dumbbell bicep curl to build stronger, more sculpted arms. Stand with knees soft and core engaged, holding a dumbbell in each hand with palms facing forward. Keep your elbows close to your sides, flex them, and curl the weights up toward your shoulders. Squeeze at the top, then slowly lower back down.
Aim for 2-3 sets of 10-15 reps. This isolation exercise targets your biceps muscles for definition. For added intensity, take a big step back to lunge down as you curl the dumbbells up. This move will work your legs, too!
3. Dumbbell Lunges (Moderate)
Lunges are a functional exercise that tones your glutes, quads, and hamstrings. They also improve balance and mobility. To do a basic dumbbell lunge, hold dumbbells at your sides, core engaged. Step forward with one leg, lowering into a lunge until your rear knee nearly touches the floor. Make sure your front knee doesn't extend over your toes. Push back to starting position. Repeat for 10-15 reps then switch legs.
Try reverse lunges or lateral lunges, too. The key is to keep your torso upright, and core braced as you lunge. Dumbbell lunges will strengthen and sculpt your lower body.
4. Dumbbell Bench Press (Moderate)
The dumbbell bench press is great for building upper body strength. Lie back on a weight bench, holding dumbbells above your chest with palms facing forward. Engage your core and press the weights straight up above your chest. Slowly lower back to start. Aim for 2-3 sets of 10-12 reps.
Keep your movements controlled - don't swing the weights up. The bench press works your chest, shoulders, and triceps. Use a spotter if needed, and start lightweight until you perfect your form. This exercise translates well to pushing strength for sports.
5. Dumbbell Rows (Moderate)
Dumbbell rows target your back and bicep muscles. To perform them properly, hinge forward at the hips, engaging your core. Hold dumbbells with an overhand grip, arms extended downward. Initiate the movement by pulling your shoulder blades together as you row the dumbbells up toward your hips. Focus on squeezing your back muscles. Lower slowly with control.
Aim for 2-3 sets of 10-12 reps. Keep your core braced to protect your lower back. Rows strengthen your upper back for improved posture and injury prevention. They also sculpt your arms!
For more exercise plan info: How to Plan Your Dumbbell Workout Split
6. Dumbbell Deadlifts (Challenging)
Deadlifts work nearly your entire body in one functional compound exercise. They target your posterior chain - lower back, glutes, and hamstrings. To do a proper deadlift, hinge at your hips, engaging your core. Grip dumbbells with a neutral grip. Push your hips back as you lower the weights towards the floor. Keep your back flat. Drive through your heels to stand up straight, squeezing your glutes at the top.
Use lighter weights - 15-25 lbs to start. Focus on mastering the hip hinge movement and keeping your lower back flat. Do 2-3 sets of 10 reps. This exercise strengthens your whole body and boosts metabolism, too.
7. Arnold Press (Challenging)
The Arnold press works your shoulders and core by combining a dumbbell press with a front raise. Hold weights at shoulder height, palms facing the body. Press up while rotating your wrists out to turn your palms forward at the top. Slowly lower back down, rotating wrists inward. Keep your core engaged throughout the movement.
Aim for 2-3 sets of 10-12 reps. Start light. This exercise hits your shoulders from multiple angles for well-rounded development. Engage your legs by doing the move as a thruster for more intensity.
8. Renegade Row (Difficult)
This intense exercise combines a pushup with a row for serious core and upper-body strength. Get into pushup position holding dumbbells. Brace your core. Do a pushup, then row one dumbbell up to your side keeping your hips steady. Return to pushup position and repeat on the other side. That's one rep.
Work towards 3 sets of 6-10 reps, alternating sides each rep. Keep your hips square and core engaged throughout. This challenging move improves core stability, upper body strength, and coordination. Use lighter weights to start.
9. Turkish Get-Up (Difficult)
The Turkish get-up is a multi-step exercise that builds stabilization, coordination, and total body strength. Lie on your back, holding a dumbbell in one hand straight above you. Sit up while pressing the dumbbell up. Rise up onto one knee as you move the weight overhead. Stand fully upright, holding the dumbbell high. Reverse to return to start.
Start with just bodyweight before adding a light dumbbell. Shoot for 5 reps per side. Move slowly and maintain control. This unique move challenges your shoulders, core, hips, and coordination in one fluid sequence.
10. Single Arm Snatch (Very Difficult)
This advanced move builds explosive power through your hips, back, and shoulders. Stand holding a dumbbell in one hand between your legs. Bend your knees slightly. Explosively drive your hips forward as you pull the dumbbell up, rotating your elbow up and out. Finish with the weight directly overhead.
Lower slowly with control back between your legs. Do 10 reps on one side, then switch. Use a very light dumbbell as you learn the technique. Power through your hips and keep your lower back flat. This total body move requires precision but builds athletic power and strength.
The Bottom Line
Dumbbells are one of the most versatile and effective strength training tools. From shoulder presses to lunges to snatches, dumbbells allow you to perform an endless variety of exercises to build functional strength and muscle. Start with basic moves like bicep curls and shoulder presses, then work your way up to more challenging exercises like Turkish get-ups and snatches. Focus on proper form, a full range of motion, and smooth, controlled movements. Add dumbbell exercises to your next workout to take your fitness to the next level!
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