Dumbbell Legs Workout for Intermediate
A dumbbell legs workout for intermediate that you can do at home or in the gym with a pair of dumbbells. 6 exercises, about 47 minutes, targeting calves, hamstrings, quads.
| Level | Intermediate |
| Equipment | Dumbbell |
| Time | About 47 minutes |
| Muscles | Calves, Hamstrings, Quads |
The workout
| Exercise | Sets / reps |
|---|---|
| 1. Dumbbell Step Ups | 4 × 8–12 / side |
| 2. Dumbbell Clean | 4 × 8–12 |
| 3. Dumbbell Squat | 4 × 8–12 |
| 4. Stiff-Legged Dumbbell Deadlift | 4 × 8–12 |
| 5. Calf Raise On A Dumbbell | 4 × 15 |
| 6. Dumbbell Rear Lunge | 4 × 8–12 / side |
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. Dumbbell Step Ups
Stand up straight while holding a dumbbell on each hand (palms facing the side of your legs). Place the right foot on the elevated platform. Step on the platform by extending the hip and the knee of your right leg. Use the heel mainly to lift the rest of your body up and place the foot of the left leg on the platform as well. Breathe out as you execute the force required to come up.
2. Dumbbell Clean
Begin standing with a dumbbell in each hand with your feet shoulder width apart. Lower the weights to the floor by flexing at the hips and knees, pushing your hips back until the dumbbells reach the floor. This will be your starting position.
3. Dumbbell Squat
Stand up straight while holding a dumbbell on each hand (palms facing the side of your legs). Position your legs using a shoulder width medium stance with the toes slightly pointed out. Keep your head up at all times as looking down will get you off balance and also maintain a straight back. This will be your starting position. Note: For the purposes of this discussion we will use the medium stance described above which targets overall development; however you can choose any of the three stances discussed in the foot stances section.
4. Stiff-Legged Dumbbell Deadlift
Grasp a couple of dumbbells holding them by your side at arm's length. Stand with your torso straight and your legs spaced using a shoulder width or narrower stance. The knees should be slightly bent. This is your starting position.
5. Calf Raise On A Dumbbell
Hang on to a sturdy object for balance and stand on a dumbbell handle, preferably one with round plates so that it rolls as in this manner you have to work harder to stabilize yourself; thus increasing the effectiveness of the exercise. Now roll your foot slightly forward so that you can get a nice stretch of the calf. This will be your starting position.
6. Dumbbell Rear Lunge
Stand with your torso upright holding two dumbbells in your hands by your sides. This will be your starting position. Step backward with your right leg around two feet or so from the left foot and lower your upper body down, while keeping the torso upright and maintaining balance. Inhale as you go down. Tip: As in the other exercises, do not allow your knee to go forward beyond your toes as you come down, as this will put undue stress on the knee joint. Make sure that you keep your front shin perpendicular to the ground. Keep the torso upright during the lunge; flexible hip flexors are important. A long lunge emphasizes the Gluteus Maximus; a short lunge emphasizes Quadriceps.
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.