Best Beginner Arms Workouts With Garage Gym
About
This workout is designed with beginner-friendly movements, utilizing user-friendly equipment commonly found in garage gyms, promoting accessibility and practicality.
It effectively targets the arm's primary muscle groups: shoulders, biceps, triceps, and forearms, facilitating comprehensive development.
Garage gym equipment like barbells, dumbbells, benches, and pull-up bars ensures that exercises are adaptable and implementable in a home setting.
The workout emphasizes foundational techniques, setting a strong basis for strength training, with weight adjustments appropriate for novice individuals with less than one year of experience.
Workout 1
Biceps, Triceps, Shoulders

Barbell Curl
15reps30lbs25reps30lbs35reps30lbs45reps30lbs55reps30lbs
Skullcrusher
18reps20lbs28reps20lbs38reps20lbs
Dumbbell Back Fly
110reps10lbs210reps10lbs310reps10lbs
Dumbbell Front Raise
112reps15lbs212reps15lbs
Dip
15reps25reps35reps45reps
Palms-Down Barbell Wrist Curl
112reps15lbs212reps15lbs312reps15lbs
Workout 2
Biceps, Shoulders, Triceps

Dumbbell Bicep Curl
15reps20lbs25reps20lbs35reps20lbs45reps20lbs55reps20lbs
Dumbbell Shoulder Raise
18reps15lbs28reps15lbs38reps15lbs
Dumbbell Skullcrusher
110reps17.5lbs210reps17.5lbs310reps17.5lbs
Seated Tricep Press
112reps17.5lbs212reps17.5lbs
EZ-Bar Curl
112reps30lbs212reps30lbs312reps30lbs
Palms-Down Dumbbell Wrist Curl
112reps10lbs212reps10lbs312reps10lbs
Workout 3
Biceps, Triceps, Shoulders

Preacher Curl
17reps22.5lbs27reps22.5lbs37reps22.5lbs47reps22.5lbs57reps22.5lbs
Skullcrusher
18reps20lbs28reps20lbs38reps20lbs
Dumbbell Shoulder Press
110reps20lbs210reps20lbs310reps20lbs
Standing Single Arm Dumbbell Shoulder Press
112reps22.5lbs212reps22.5lbs
Hammer Curls
112reps15lbs212reps15lbs312reps15lbs
Palms-Up Barbell Wrist Curl
112reps25lbs212reps25lbs312reps25lbs
The 15 Best Beginner Arms Exercises with Garage Gym
Ranked By
Ranked based on Fitbod's internal data set of the most effective exercises. Learn More
1. Barbell Curl
Barbell Curl demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED5,529,638Biceps Strength96 mScoreBiceps
BarbellsThe Barbell Curl is a great exercise that targets your biceps by isolating the muscle. Using a barbell helps keep your movements stable so you can focus on building strength without losing balance.
How to do it
- Stand up straight and grasp a barbell with both hands, shoulder-width apart, palms facing away.
- Tighten your core by taking a deep breath and flexing your stomach muscles.
- Bend your elbows to lift the barbell to shoulder height, keeping your elbows close to your sides.
- Exhale and slowly lower the barbell back to the starting position.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps30lbs28reps30lbs38reps30lbs2. Dip
Dip demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED2,690,853Triceps Strength92 mScoreTriceps
Dip (Parallel) BarDips are a bodyweight exercise that primarily targets the triceps. You lift and lower your body using your arms while keeping your core engaged.
How to do it
- Hold onto the dip bars with straight arms and slightly bent elbows.
- Suspended above the ground, brace your core and keep your back straight.
- Lean your body forward slightly and pull your elbows down to lower yourself.
- Keep your elbows close to your sides until they reach a 90-degree angle.
- Push back up to straighten your arms and return to the starting position.
Sets, Reps, Weight16reps26reps36reps3. 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, Weight18reps20lbs28reps20lbs38reps20lbs4. 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, Weight18reps17.5lbs28reps17.5lbs38reps17.5lbs5. EZ-Bar Curl
EZ-Bar Curl demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED4,152,468Biceps Strength97 mScoreBiceps
EZ BarThe EZ-Bar Curl is an exercise that focuses on strengthening your biceps. Using an EZ-Bar offers better stability and comfort for your wrists, making it easier to concentrate on lifting weights.
How to do it
- Stand up straight and hold the EZ-Bar with both hands, palms facing away from you, at waist height.
- Engage your core by tightening your stomach muscles.
- Curl the bar by bending your elbows, raising it to shoulder height while keeping your elbows close to your body.
- Lower the bar back to the starting position and exhale.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps30lbs28reps30lbs38reps30lbs6. 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, Weight18reps20lbs28reps20lbs38reps20lbs7. Skullcrusher
Skullcrusher demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED2,594,390Triceps Strength97 mScoreTriceps
EZ Bar
Flat BenchSkullcrushers are a triceps exercise performed while lying on a bench. This movement focuses on isolating the triceps and can be done with an EZ-Bar for better grip and stability.
How to do it
- Lie back on a bench, keeping your shoulder blades squeezed and your heels flat on the ground.
- Ensure the bench supports your head, shoulders, and buttocks at all times.
- Hold the EZ-Bar above your shoulders with hands shoulder-width apart.
- Keep your upper arms still and bend your elbows to lower the bar just above your forehead.
- Exhale as you extend your arms to lift the bar back to the starting position.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps25lbs28reps25lbs38reps25lbs8. Dumbbell Back Fly
Dumbbell Back Fly demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED1,248,270Shoulders Strength97 mScoreShoulders
Dumbbells
Incline BenchThe Dumbbell Back Fly targets the back of your shoulders while providing stability from an incline bench. This exercise helps strengthen your posterior deltoid by isolating the muscle effectively.
How to do it
- Grab a pair of dumbbells.
- Lie chest-down on an incline bench with your knees slightly bent.
- Hold the dumbbells in front of your shoulders, palms facing forward.
- Keep your elbows slightly bent and back straight.
- Lift the dumbbells out to the sides until shoulder height, squeezing your shoulder blades together.
- Lower the dumbbells back to the starting position slowly.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps15lbs28reps15lbs38reps15lbs9. 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, Weight18reps12.5lbs28reps12.5lbs38reps12.5lbs10. Dumbbell Shoulder Press
Dumbbell Shoulder Press demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED6,772,064Shoulders Strength99 mScoreShoulders
Dumbbells
Flat BenchThe Dumbbell Shoulder Press is an exercise that focuses on strengthening the shoulders. Using dumbbells helps engage stabilizing muscles and can improve balance between both sides of the body.
How to do it
- Sit on a bench with your back straight.
- Hold a dumbbell in each hand, just outside shoulder-width, palms facing forward.
- Bend your elbows and keep them close to your sides.
- Press the dumbbells overhead until your arms are fully extended, keeping your wrists straight.
- Lower the dumbbells back to the starting position.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps20lbs28reps20lbs38reps20lbs11. 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, Weight18reps12.5lbs28reps12.5lbs38reps12.5lbs12. Preacher Curl
Preacher Curl demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED1,646,964Biceps Strength92 mScoreBiceps
Preacher Curl Bench
EZ BarThe Preacher Curl is a great bicep exercise that helps build strength. Using a preacher curl bench keeps your elbows still and focused, reducing any swinging or cheating. This exercise allows you to concentrate on working your biceps effectively with the help of an EZ-bar for support.
How to do it
- Sit on the preacher curl bench with your chest against the pad.
- Grab the EZ-bar with an underhand grip, arms extended over the pad.
- Flex your elbows to lift the bar, keeping your upper arms on the pad.
- Lower the bar back to the starting position after it touches your biceps.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps30lbs28reps30lbs38reps30lbs13. Reverse Barbell Curl
Reverse Barbell Curl demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED2,203,913Biceps Strength89 mScoreBiceps
BarbellsThe Reverse Barbell Curl is a bicep exercise that focuses on grip strength and functional strength. By using a barbell with a reverse grip, you can stabilize the movement better, allowing for more effective bicep training.
How to do it
- Stand upright holding a barbell with both hands, palms facing towards you, at waist height.
- Engage your core by tightening your stomach muscles.
- Flex your elbows to raise the barbell to shoulder height, keeping your elbows close to your body.
- Lower the barbell back to the starting position and repeat.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps30lbs28reps30lbs38reps30lbs14. 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, Weight18reps15lbs28reps15lbs38reps15lbs15. 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, Weight18reps20lbs28reps20lbs38reps20lbs
Alternative Workouts
Alternative Beginner Workouts with Garage Gym
- Best Beginner Trapezius Workouts With Garage Gym
- Best Beginner Legs Workouts With Garage Gym
- Best Beginner Push Day Workouts With Garage Gym
- Best Beginner Triceps Workouts With Garage Gym
- Best Beginner Glutes Workouts With Garage Gym
- Best Beginner Calves Workouts With Garage Gym
- Best Beginner Forearms Workouts With Garage Gym
- Best Beginner Bicep And Shoulders Workouts With Garage Gym
- Best Beginner Full Body Workouts With Garage Gym
- Best Beginner Core Workouts With Garage Gym
- Best Beginner Workouts With Garage Gym To Get Lean And Burn Fat
- Best Beginner Workouts With Garage Gym To Build Strength
- Best Beginner Quadriceps Workouts With Garage Gym
- Best Beginner Biceps Workouts With Garage Gym
- Best Beginner Pull Day Workouts With Garage Gym
- Best Beginner Workouts With Garage Gym To Power Lift
- Best Beginner Workouts With Garage Gym For Women
- Best Beginner Abs Workouts With Garage Gym
- Best Beginner Workouts With Garage Gym To Build Muscle Mass
- Best Beginner Chest Workouts With Garage Gym
- Best Beginner Workouts With Garage Gym For Men
- Best Beginner Back Workouts With Garage Gym
- Best Beginner Chest And Tricep Workouts With Garage Gym
- Best Beginner Upper Body Workouts With Garage Gym
- Best Beginner Shoulders Workouts With Garage Gym
- Best Beginner Chest And Back Workouts With Garage Gym
- Best Beginner Hamstrings Workouts With Garage Gym
Alternative Beginner Arms Workouts
- Best Beginner Arms Workouts With Flat Bench
- Best Beginner Arms Workouts For Women
- Best Beginner Arms Workouts With Resistance Bands
- Best Beginner Arms Workouts With Cable Machines
- Best Beginner Arms Workouts With Trx
- Best Beginner Arms Workouts With Dumbbells
- Best Beginner Arms Workouts To Build Strength
- Best Beginner Arms Workouts With Ez Bar
- Best Beginner Arms Workouts With Barbells
- Best Beginner Arms Workouts For Men
- Best Beginner Arms Workouts To Build Muscle Mass
- Best Beginner Arms Workouts To Get Lean And Burn Fat
- Best Beginner Arms Workouts With Weight Machines