Dumbbell Arms Workout for Intermediate
A dumbbell arms workout for intermediate that you can do at home or in the gym with a pair of dumbbells. 6 exercises, about 47 minutes, targeting biceps, forearms, triceps.
| Level | Intermediate |
| Equipment | Dumbbell |
| Time | About 47 minutes |
| Muscles | Biceps, Forearms, Triceps |
The workout
| Exercise | Sets / reps |
|---|---|
| 1. Hammer Curls | 4 × 8–12 |
| 2. Close-Grip Dumbbell Press | 4 × 8–12 |
| 3. Standing One-Arm Dumbbell Curl Over Incline Bench | 4 × 8–12 / side |
| 4. Decline Dumbbell Triceps Extension | 4 × 8–12 |
| 5. Dumbbell Lying Supination | 4 × 15 |
| 6. Dumbbell Tricep Extension -Pronated Grip | 4 × 8–12 |
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.
- Pick a weight that leaves about 1–2 reps in the tank on the last set. Rest 60–120 seconds on big lifts, 45–60 seconds on smaller ones.
- 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. Hammer Curls
Stand up with your torso upright and a dumbbell on each hand being held at arms length. The elbows should be close to the torso. The palms of the hands should be facing your torso. This will be your starting position.
2. Close-Grip Dumbbell Press
Place a dumbbell standing up on a flat bench. Ensuring that the dumbbell stays securely placed at the top of the bench, lie perpendicular to the bench with only your shoulders lying on the surface. Hips should be below the bench and your legs bent with your feet firmly on the floor.
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. Decline Dumbbell Triceps Extension
Secure your legs at the end of the decline bench and lie down with a dumbbell on each hand on top of your thighs. The palms of your hand will be facing each other. Once you are laying down, move the dumbbells in front of you at shoulder width. The palms of the hands should be facing each other and the arms should be perpendicular to the floor and fully extended. This will be your starting position.
5. Dumbbell Lying Supination
Lie sideways on a flat bench 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.
6. Dumbbell Tricep Extension -Pronated Grip
Lie down on a flat bench holding two dumbbells directly above your shoulders. Your arms should be fully extended and form a 90 degree angle from your torso and the floor. The palms of your hands should be facing forward, and your elbows should be tucked in. This will be your starting position.
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.