Dumbbell Arms Workout for Beginners
A dumbbell arms workout for beginners that you can do at home or in the gym with a pair of dumbbells. 5 exercises, about 31 minutes, targeting biceps, forearms, triceps.
| Level | Beginner |
| Equipment | Dumbbell |
| Time | About 31 minutes |
| Muscles | Biceps, Forearms, Triceps |
The workout
| Exercise | Sets / reps |
|---|---|
| 1. Dumbbell Bicep Curl | 3 × 10 |
| 2. Standing Dumbbell Triceps Extension | 3 × 10 |
| 3. Standing One-Arm Dumbbell Curl Over Incline Bench | 3 × 10 / side |
| 4. Tricep Dumbbell Kickback | 3 × 10 |
| 5. Dumbbell Lying Pronation | 3 × 15 |
See each exercise
How to do this workout
- Warm up for 5 minutes: brisk walk or easy cardio, then one light set of the first exercise.
- Do the exercises in order. Finish all sets of one before moving on.
- Use a weight you could lift for 2–3 more reps than written. Rest 60–90 seconds between sets.
- Do this workout 1–2 times a week, with at least one rest day before training the same muscles again.
How to progress
When you can do every set with good form at the top of the rep range, add one rep per set the next week, or a small amount of weight (1–2.5 kg). Progress slowly — consistent small jumps beat big ones. For fat loss, pair this with a small calorie deficit and around 1.6–2 g of protein per kg of body weight.
Exercise notes
1. Dumbbell Bicep Curl
Stand up straight with a dumbbell in each hand at arm's length. Keep your elbows close to your torso and rotate the palms of your hands until they are facing forward. This will be your starting position. Now, keeping the upper arms stationary, exhale and curl the weights while contracting your biceps. Continue to raise the weights until your biceps are fully contracted and the dumbbells are at shoulder level. Hold the contracted position for a brief pause as you squeeze your biceps.
2. Standing Dumbbell Triceps Extension
To begin, stand up with a dumbbell held by both hands. Your feet should be about shoulder width apart from each other. Slowly use both hands to grab the dumbbell and lift it over your head until both arms are fully extended. The resistance should be resting in the palms of your hands with your thumbs around it. The palm of the hands should be facing up towards the ceiling. This will be your starting position.
3. Standing One-Arm Dumbbell Curl Over Incline Bench
Stand on the back side of an incline bench as if you were going to be a spotter for someone. Have a dumbbell in one hand and rest it across the incline bench with a supinated (palms up) grip. Position your non lifting hand at the corner or side of the incline bench. The chest should be pressed against the top part of the incline and your feet should be pressed against the floor at a wide stance. This is the starting position.
4. Tricep Dumbbell Kickback
Start with a dumbbell in each hand and your palms facing your torso. Keep your back straight with a slight bend in the knees and bend forward at the waist. Your torso should be almost parallel to the floor. Make sure to keep your head up. Your upper arms should be close to your torso and parallel to the floor. Your forearms should be pointed towards the floor as you hold the weights. There should be a 90-degree angle formed between your forearm and upper arm. This is your starting position. Now, while keeping your upper arms stationary, exhale and use your triceps to lift the weights until the arm is fully extended. Focus on moving the forearm.
5. Dumbbell Lying Pronation
Lie on a flat bench face down with one arm holding a dumbbell and the other hand on top of the bench folded so that you can rest your head on it. Bend the elbows of the arm holding the dumbbell so that it creates a 90-degree angle between the upper arm and the forearm.
Weekly plans that use this workout
More workouts like this
Gear for this workout
Adjustable dumbbellsA full home gym in one small space.See it on Amazon →
Adjustable workout benchUnlocks presses, rows and step-ups at home.See it on Amazon →Stop if anything hurts (sharp pain is different from muscle burn). If you have an injury or health condition, check with your GP or a physio first.