Best Beginner Arms Workouts With Dumbbells
About
This workout leverages dumbbells, renowned for their versatility and effectiveness.
These weights allow for isolated hand movements, enhancing stability and ensuring muscle balance.
Aimed at beginners with under a year of experience, the exercises prioritize simplicity while still offering a challenging experience.
The routines utilize a slightly reduced weight to facilitate proper form and minimize injury risk during practice.
By targeting key arm muscle groups such as shoulders, biceps, triceps, and forearms, participants can experience a comprehensive arm conditioning session.
Overall, this workout is designed for individuals progressing in their fitness journey while focusing on arm strength enhancement.
Workout 1
Shoulders, Biceps, Triceps, Forearms

Dumbbell Front Raise
15reps20lbs25reps20lbs35reps20lbs45reps20lbs55reps20lbs
Dumbbell Bicep Curl
18reps20lbs28reps20lbs38reps20lbs
Dumbbell Kickbacks
110reps12.5lbs210reps12.5lbs310reps12.5lbs
Dumbbell Skullcrusher
112reps15lbs212reps15lbs
Standing Single Arm Dumbbell Shoulder Press
112reps22.5lbs212reps22.5lbs312reps22.5lbs
Palms-Down Dumbbell Wrist Curl
112reps10lbs212reps10lbs312reps10lbs
Workout 2
Shoulders, Biceps, Triceps, Forearms

Dumbbell Shoulder Raise
15reps17.5lbs25reps17.5lbs35reps17.5lbs45reps17.5lbs55reps17.5lbs
Seated Dumbbell Curl
18reps17.5lbs28reps17.5lbs38reps17.5lbs
Seated Tricep Press
110reps17.5lbs210reps17.5lbs310reps17.5lbs
Single Arm Dumbbell Tricep Extension
112reps17.5lbs212reps17.5lbs
Dumbbell Lateral Raise To Front Raise
112reps10lbs212reps10lbs312reps10lbs
Palms-Up Dumbbell Wrist Curl
112reps15lbs212reps15lbs312reps15lbs
Workout 3
Shoulders, Biceps, Triceps, Forearms

Dumbbell Front Raise
15reps20lbs25reps20lbs35reps20lbs45reps20lbs55reps20lbs
Dumbbell Bicep Curl
18reps20lbs28reps20lbs38reps20lbs
Standing Dumbbell Tricep Extension
110reps15lbs210reps15lbs310reps15lbs
Dumbbell Kickbacks
112reps10lbs212reps10lbs312reps12.5lbs412reps12.5lbs
Dumbbell Standing Front Press
112reps22.5lbs212reps22.5lbs312reps22.5lbs
Palms-Down Dumbbell Wrist Curl
112reps10lbs212reps10lbs312reps10lbs
The 15 Best Beginner Arms Exercises with Dumbbells
Ranked By
Ranked based on Fitbod's internal data set of the most effective exercises. Learn More
1. 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, Weight18reps12.5lbs28reps12.5lbs38reps12.5lbs2. 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, Weight18reps12.5lbs28reps12.5lbs38reps12.5lbs3. 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, Weight18reps20lbs28reps20lbs38reps20lbs4. 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, Weight18reps12.5lbs28reps12.5lbs38reps12.5lbs5. 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, Weight18reps15lbs28reps15lbs38reps15lbs6. 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, Weight18reps20lbs28reps20lbs38reps20lbs7. 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, Weight18reps12.5lbs28reps12.5lbs38reps12.5lbs8. 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, Weight18reps20lbs28reps20lbs38reps20lbs9. 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, Weight18reps15lbs28reps15lbs38reps15lbs10. Dumbbell Skullcrusher
Dumbbell Skullcrusher demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED5,879,914Triceps Strength98 mScoreTriceps
Dumbbells
Flat BenchThe Dumbbell Skullcrusher is a great exercise for strengthening your triceps. Using dumbbells helps ensure both arms work equally and adds a challenge to your stability.
How to do it
- Lie on your back on a bench with your shoulder blades squeezed together and feet flat on the floor.
- Ensure the bench supports your head, shoulders, and hips.
- Hold dumbbells above your shoulders with palms facing each other and elbows slightly bent.
- Engage your core and lower the dumbbells behind your head by bending your elbows, keeping your upper arms stable.
- When the dumbbells are just above your forehead, exhale and lift them back to the starting position.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps17.5lbs28reps17.5lbs38reps17.5lbs11. Hammer Curls
Hammer Curls demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED8,921,793Biceps Strength98 mScoreBiceps
DumbbellsHammer Curls are a bicep exercise that involve turning your wrists for a more natural grip. This helps target the long head of the bicep while building muscle and strength.
How to do it
- Stand tall with your feet shoulder-width apart.
- Hold a dumbbell in each hand with your palms facing inward and arms at your sides.
- Engage your core by tightening your stomach muscles.
- Curl one dumbbell up to shoulder height while keeping your elbow close to your side.
- Lower the dumbbell back down to the starting position.
- Switch arms and repeat the movement.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps20lbs28reps20lbs38reps20lbs12. Seated Dumbbell Curl
Seated Dumbbell Curl demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED3,675,670Biceps Strength95 mScoreBiceps
DumbbellsThe Seated Dumbbell Curl is an exercise that focuses on building your biceps. By using dumbbells while sitting, you can maintain good form and prevent using your body to lift the weights.
How to do it
- Sit upright on a bench with a dumbbell in each hand, arms at your sides and palms facing in.
- Tighten your core and bend one elbow to lift the dumbbell towards your shoulder, keeping your upper arm still.
- Lower the dumbbell back down and repeat with the other arm.
- Alternate lifting each arm.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps15lbs28reps15lbs38reps15lbs13. Seated Tricep Press
Seated Tricep Press demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED4,537,026Triceps Strength98 mScoreTriceps
DumbbellsThe Seated Tricep Press is an exercise that strengthens your triceps by using a dumbbell. It helps improve your range of motion by pressing the weight overhead, adding variety to your workouts.
How to do it
- Sit upright on a bench with your feet shoulder-width apart.
- Hold a dumbbell vertically at chest height with palms facing up.
- Brace your core and press the dumbbell overhead, keeping elbows forward.
- Lower the dumbbell behind your head until your forearms touch your biceps.
- Lift the dumbbell back to the starting position.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps20lbs28reps20lbs38reps20lbs14. Waiter Curls
Waiter Curls demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED655,522Biceps Strength81 mScoreBiceps
DumbbellsWaiter Curls strengthen your biceps while mimicking the action of holding a tray. This exercise improves muscle control and grip strength, making it great for building arm shape and stability.
How to do it
- Stand with feet shoulder-width apart and knees slightly bent.
- Hold one end of a dumbbell with both hands, palms facing up.
- Bend your elbows to lift the dumbbell towards your chest, keeping your elbows tight to your sides.
- Pause for a moment at the top of the curl, squeezing your biceps.
- Slowly lower the dumbbell back to the starting position while keeping tension in your biceps.
- Keep your core tight, shoulders back, and chest up throughout the movement.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps15lbs28reps15lbs38reps15lbs15. Dumbbell Wide Curls
Dumbbell Wide Curls demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED799,835Biceps Strength70 mScoreBiceps
DumbbellsDumbbell Wide Curls are a simple exercise that focuses on building your biceps. By keeping your arms flared out, this exercise helps develop the outer part of your biceps for a fuller appearance.
How to do it
- Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and knees slightly bent.
- Hold a dumbbell in each hand with your arms flared out to the sides.
- Curl the dumbbells up while keeping them wider than shoulder-width at the top.
- Pause briefly at the top, feeling the contraction in your biceps.
- Lower the dumbbells back down slowly, keeping tension on your biceps.
- Keep your elbows close to your sides and maintain good posture throughout.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps15lbs28reps15lbs38reps15lbs
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