Best Arms Workouts With Dumbbells For Women
About
This workout focuses on sculpting and strengthening the arms by targeting key muscle groups, including the shoulders, biceps, triceps, and forearms.
Dumbbells are incorporated for their versatility, promoting stability and balance by assigning weight to each hand and allowing single-sided movements.
Exercise selections are tailored to general preferences and physiological considerations, with adjustments in repetitions and weight based on average metrics for women aged 34 years, weighing 140 lbs, and standing 5'5", recognizing individual variability.
This structured routine contributes to noticeable progress towards defined arm muscles and overall upper-body strength.
Workout 1
Shoulders, Biceps, Triceps

Dumbbell Front Raise
15reps12.5lbs25reps12.5lbs35reps12.5lbs45reps12.5lbs55reps12.5lbs
Dumbbell Bicep Curl
18reps12.5lbs28reps12.5lbs38reps12.5lbs
Dumbbell Kickbacks
110reps10lbs210reps10lbs310reps10lbs
Dumbbell Skullcrusher
112reps10lbs212reps10lbs
Arnold Dumbbell Press
112reps12.5lbs212reps12.5lbs312reps12.5lbs
Palms-Down Dumbbell Wrist Curl
112reps10lbs212reps10lbs312reps10lbs
Workout 2
Shoulders, Biceps, Triceps

Dumbbell Shoulder Raise
15reps10lbs25reps10lbs35reps10lbs45reps10lbs55reps10lbs
Seated Dumbbell Curl
18reps12.5lbs28reps12.5lbs38reps12.5lbs
Seated Tricep Press
110reps12.5lbs210reps12.5lbs310reps12.5lbs
Single Arm Dumbbell Tricep Extension
112reps10lbs212reps10lbs
Dumbbell Rear Delt Raise
112reps10lbs212reps10lbs312reps10lbs
Palms-Up Dumbbell Wrist Curl
112reps10lbs212reps10lbs312reps10lbs
Workout 3
Biceps, Shoulders, Triceps

Reverse Dumbbell Curl
15reps35lbs25reps35lbs35reps35lbs45reps35lbs55reps35lbs
Dumbbell Front Raise
18reps12.5lbs28reps12.5lbs38reps12.5lbs
Standing Dumbbell Tricep Extension
110reps15lbs210reps15lbs310reps15lbs
Tate Press
112reps10lbs212reps10lbs
Iron Cross
112reps7.5lbs212reps7.5lbs312reps7.5lbs
Palms-Down Dumbbell Wrist Curl
112reps10lbs212reps10lbs312reps10lbs
The 15 Best Arms Exercises with Dumbbells for Women
Ranked By
Ranked based on Fitbod's internal data set of the most effective exercises. Learn More
1. Arnold Dumbbell Press
Arnold Dumbbell Press demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED2,297,498Shoulders Strength96 mScoreShoulders
DumbbellsThe Arnold Dumbbell Press is an exercise that mainly works your shoulders. It involves lifting dumbbells while rotating your palms, providing a more comfortable and effective movement compared to a regular shoulder press.
How to do it
- Sit on a bench with a slight incline.
- Hold dumbbells at shoulder height with palms facing you.
- Keep your elbows close to your sides and shoulders back.
- Press the dumbbells overhead while rotating your palms to face away from you.
- Lower the dumbbells back to shoulder height, rotating your palms back to the starting position.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps15lbs28reps15lbs38reps15lbs2. Dumbbell Front Raise
Dumbbell Front Raise demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED5,823,163Shoulders Strength98 mScoreShoulders
DumbbellsThe Dumbbell Front Raise is an exercise that strengthens the front part of your shoulders. It helps build muscle and balance strength between both sides of your body using dumbbells.
How to do it
- Stand upright holding a dumbbell in each hand at waist height, palms facing inward.
- Keep your arms slightly bent and lift the dumbbells in front of you to just above shoulder height.
- Lower the dumbbells back to waist height, maintaining a neutral back.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps10lbs28reps10lbs38reps10lbs3. Dumbbell Rear Delt Raise
Dumbbell Rear Delt Raise demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED4,323,992Shoulders Strength97 mScoreShoulders
DumbbellsThe Dumbbell Rear Delt Raise is an exercise for the shoulders, focusing on the rear deltoids. By leaning forward with your hips back, you can effectively work the muscles at the back of your shoulders.
How to do it
- Stand with feet shoulder-width apart and hold a dumbbell in each hand.
- Bend your knees slightly and hinge forward at the hips until your torso is at a 90-degree angle.
- Keep your elbows bent and raise the dumbbells out to the sides until they reach shoulder height.
- Squeeze your shoulder blades together at the top of the lift and then lower the dumbbells back down slowly.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps10lbs28reps10lbs38reps10lbs4. Dumbbell Shoulder Raise
Dumbbell Shoulder Raise demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED3,935,648Shoulders Strength98 mScoreShoulders
DumbbellsThe Dumbbell Shoulder Raise is an exercise that focuses on strengthening the middle part of your shoulders. It helps improve muscle balance and can enhance shoulder strength by using dumbbells.
How to do it
- Stand upright with your feet shoulder-width apart.
- Hold a dumbbell in each hand with your palms facing in at your hips.
- Tighten your core by breathing deeply and engaging your abs.
- With a slight bend in your elbows, raise the dumbbells to the sides until they reach shoulder height.
- Lower the dumbbells back to the starting position in a controlled manner.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps10lbs28reps10lbs38reps10lbs5. Iron Cross
Iron Cross demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED579,037Shoulders Strength85 mScoreShoulders
DumbbellsThe Iron Cross is a full-body exercise that works multiple muscle groups by combining an arm raise with a squat. It helps strengthen your shoulders and lower body while improving overall stability.
How to do it
- Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and slightly turned out.
- Hold a pair of dumbbells with your arms raised parallel to the floor.
- Keep your weight balanced as you squat down, bending your knees and pushing your hips back.
- Ensure your knees point slightly outward, aligned with your toes.
- Brace your core to keep your back straight throughout the movement.
- As you squat, bring your arms forward so your palms face each other.
- Return to the starting position and repeat the exercise.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps10lbs28reps10lbs38reps10lbs6. Side Laterals to Front Raise
Side Laterals to Front Raise demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED841,909Shoulders Strength87 mScoreShoulders
DumbbellsThe Side Laterals to Front Raise is an exercise that targets different parts of your shoulders. You lift weights out to the sides and then bring them in front to work your shoulder muscles more effectively.
How to do it
- Stand with feet shoulder-width apart.
- Hold dumbbells at your hips with palms facing in.
- Engage your core and keep your back straight.
- Raise the dumbbells to the side until they're at shoulder height.
- Bring the weights together in front of you with arms extended.
- Lower the weights back down in a controlled manner.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps10lbs28reps10lbs38reps10lbs7. Standing Dumbbell Shoulder Press
Standing Dumbbell Shoulder Press demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED954,627Shoulders Strength92 mScoreShoulders
DumbbellsThe Standing Dumbbell Shoulder Press is an exercise that strengthens your shoulders using dumbbells. Standing while you do this adds balance challenges, engaging more muscles for stability.
How to do it
- Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and knees slightly bent.
- Hold a dumbbell in each hand at shoulder height.
- Press the dumbbells overhead by engaging your shoulders.
- Pause briefly at the top, then lower the weights back to shoulder level.
- Keep your core tight to protect your lower back.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps12.5lbs28reps12.5lbs38reps12.5lbs8. Standing Single Arm Dumbbell Shoulder Press
Standing Single Arm Dumbbell Shoulder Press demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED135,459Shoulders Strength86 mScoreShoulders
DumbbellsThe Standing Single Arm Dumbbell Shoulder Press works your shoulder muscles and helps improve stability by focusing on one side at a time. This standing exercise also engages your core for better posture and balance.
How to do it
- Stand with feet hip-width apart and slightly bend your knees.
- Hold a dumbbell in one hand at head level, palm facing forward.
- Engage your core and keep your back straight.
- Press the dumbbell overhead using your shoulder muscle.
- Optionally, place your opposite hand on your hip for stability.
- Pause at the top, then slowly lower the dumbbell back to the starting position.
- Complete the desired number of reps, then switch sides and repeat.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps15lbs28reps15lbs38reps15lbs9. Dumbbell Lateral Raise To Front Raise
Dumbbell Lateral Raise To Front Raise demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED190,424Shoulders Strength91 mScoreShoulders
DumbbellsThe Dumbbell Lateral Raise to Front Raise is a shoulder exercise that combines two movements to effectively target the shoulder muscles. This workout helps strengthen your shoulders by raising the dumbbells both to the sides and in front of you.
How to do it
- Hold a dumbbell in each hand at your sides, palms facing your legs.
- Stand with feet hip-width apart and slightly bend your knees.
- Keep your back straight and core engaged throughout the exercise.
- Raise the dumbbells out to the sides until your arms are parallel to the ground, palms facing down.
- Lower the dumbbells back to the starting position.
- Raise the dumbbells in front of you, rotating your wrists so that palms face down at the top.
- Lower the dumbbells back to the starting position.
- Repeat the lateral raise followed by the front raise to complete one repetition.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps10lbs28reps10lbs38reps10lbs10. Dumbbell Standing Front Press
Dumbbell Standing Front Press demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED129,056Shoulders Strength88 mScoreShoulders
DumbbellsThe Dumbbell Standing Front Press is a shoulder exercise done while standing. It strengthens your shoulders and improves your balance by engaging your core. Using dumbbells helps ensure both sides of your body work equally.
How to do it
- Hold a dumbbell in each hand at shoulder height with palms facing you.
- Stand with feet hip-width apart and knees slightly bent.
- Keep your core tight and back straight while looking forward.
- Press the dumbbells overhead by extending your arms.
- Pause briefly at the top, then lower the dumbbells back to shoulder height.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps12.5lbs28reps12.5lbs38reps12.5lbs11. Dumbbell Standing Single Arm Front Press
Dumbbell Standing Single Arm Front Press demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED85,089Shoulders Strength85 mScoreShoulders
DumbbellsThe Dumbbell Standing Single Arm Front Press is an effective shoulder exercise that builds strength and stability. By pressing a dumbbell from in front of your shoulder, you engage not just your shoulder muscles but also your core for better balance and posture.
How to do it
- Hold a dumbbell in one hand, with your palm facing outward and the dumbbell in front of your shoulder.
- Stand with your feet hip-width apart and slightly bend your knees.
- Engage your core, keep your back straight, and look straight ahead.
- Optionally, place your other hand on your hip for stability.
- Press the dumbbell overhead by straightening your arm, using your shoulder muscles.
- Pause briefly at the top, then lower the dumbbell back to the start position.
- Complete all reps on one side before switching to the other arm.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps15lbs28reps15lbs38reps15lbs12. Dumbbell Cuban Shoulder Rotations
Dumbbell Cuban Shoulder Rotations demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED92,391Shoulders Strength82 mScoreShoulders
DumbbellsDumbbell Cuban Shoulder Rotations strengthen and improve shoulder mobility, focusing on the rotator cuff. You hold dumbbells at shoulder level and rotate your arms forward for a full range of motion.
How to do it
- Hold a dumbbell in each hand.
- Stand with feet hip-width apart and slightly bend your knees.
- Lower your shoulder blades back and down.
- Lift your elbows out to the sides, thumbs up, making a 'goalpost' shape.
- Rotate the dumbbells forward until your forearms are parallel to the floor, keeping a 90-degree angle at your shoulders and elbows.
- Pause in this position for a moment.
- Slowly return to the starting position, maintaining tension in your shoulders.
- Pause at the top for a moment before repeating.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps10lbs28reps10lbs38reps10lbs13. Concentration Curl
Concentration Curl demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED2,854,084Biceps Strength72 mScoreBiceps
DumbbellsThe Concentration Curl is a simple exercise that strengthens the biceps by focusing solely on them. You sit down, brace your arm against your thigh, and lift a dumbbell to really engage the bicep without using other muscles.
How to do it
- Sit at the edge of a bench with your knees bent and feet on the floor, shoulder-width apart.
- Extend your right arm between your legs and rest your elbow against your right thigh, holding a dumbbell with an outward-facing palm.
- Keep your elbow against your thigh as you lift the dumbbell to shoulder height, then lower it back to the starting position.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps15lbs28reps15lbs38reps15lbs14. Dumbbell Bicep Curl
Dumbbell Bicep Curl demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED10,161,709Biceps Strength99 mScoreBiceps
DumbbellsThe Dumbbell Bicep Curl is a popular exercise that targets the biceps, helping to build strength and muscle. Using dumbbells allows for better control and range of motion, making it an effective choice for workouts.
How to do it
- Stand upright and hold a dumbbell in each hand at your sides, palms facing you.
- Engage your core by breathing deeply and tightening your abdominal muscles.
- Flex your elbows to lift one dumbbell up towards your shoulder while keeping your elbow close to your side.
- As you lift, rotate your wrist so your palm faces your shoulder at the top of the curl.
- Lower the dumbbell back to the starting position by rotating your wrist back to palms-facing position.
- Once the first dumbbell is down, repeat the process with the other arm.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps15lbs28reps15lbs38reps15lbs15. Dumbbell Kickbacks
Dumbbell Kickbacks demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED4,145,130Triceps Strength96 mScoreTriceps
DumbbellsDumbbell Kickbacks are a great exercise for beginners to strengthen the triceps. Using dumbbells helps ensure you work each arm evenly. This exercise can also be adjusted for more challenge as you progress.
How to do it
- Stand with feet hip-width apart and knees slightly bent.
- Hold a dumbbell in each hand and hinge forward at your hips until your torso is at a 45-degree angle, keeping your back straight.
- Bend your elbows and position your arms behind you, so dumbbells are under your elbows.
- Push the dumbbells back by straightening your arms, squeezing your triceps at the end of the movement.
- Pause briefly, then slowly return to the starting position while keeping tension in your triceps.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps12.5lbs28reps12.5lbs38reps12.5lbs
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