Best Beginner Arms Workouts With Weight Machines
About
Weight machines are excellent tools for targeting specific movement patterns with added stability and control.
This characteristic makes them particularly beneficial for beginners, providing a safe learning platform for foundational exercises.
Beginner exercises often use simpler movements with reduced weight, yet can still provide a challenging and effective workout.
Focusing on the four main arm muscle groups—the shoulders, biceps, triceps, and forearms—is a great way to develop strength and balance in your upper body fitness routine.
Through targeted exercises and a tailored approach, this workout ensures accessibility and efficiency for those starting their fitness journey.
Workout 1
Shoulders, Biceps, Triceps

Machine Lateral Raise
15reps45lbs25reps45lbs35reps45lbs45reps45lbs55reps45lbs
Machine Bicep Curl
18reps40lbs28reps40lbs38reps40lbs
Machine Tricep Dip
111reps65lbs211reps65lbs311reps65lbs
Machine Tricep Extension
112reps35lbs212reps35lbs
Machine Shoulder Press
112reps30lbs212reps30lbs312reps30lbs
Smith Machine One-Arm Upright Row
112reps17.5lbs212reps17.5lbs312reps17.5lbs
Workout 2
Shoulders, Biceps, Triceps

Smith Machine Overhead Shoulder Press
15reps40lbs25reps40lbs35reps40lbs45reps40lbs55reps40lbs
Machine Preacher Curl
18reps35lbs28reps35lbs38reps35lbs
Smith Machine Close-Grip Bench Press
112reps45lbs212reps45lbs312reps45lbs
Assisted Dip
112reps-30lbs212reps-30lbs
Machine Reverse Fly
112reps30lbs212reps30lbs312reps30lbs
Machine Lateral Raise
112reps35lbs212reps35lbs312reps35lbs
The 11 Best Beginner Arms Exercises with Weight Machines
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Ranked based on Fitbod's internal data set of the most effective exercises. Learn More
1. Machine Lateral Raise
Machine Lateral Raise demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED561,098Shoulders Strength92 mScoreShoulders
Shoulder Shrug MachineThe Machine Lateral Raise is a shoulder exercise done on a machine that provides support and stability. It helps you focus on strengthening your shoulders in a controlled way.
How to do it
- Sit facing the machine with your arms resting on the pads.
- Keep your chest up and back straight.
- Lift your arms out to the side until they are level with the floor.
- Pause briefly, then lower your arms back to the starting position.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps30lbs28reps30lbs38reps30lbs2. Machine Shoulder Press
Machine Shoulder Press demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED1,196,498Shoulders Strength94 mScoreShoulders
Shoulder Press MachineThe Machine Shoulder Press is a safe and effective exercise that targets your shoulders using a machine. It helps you build strength while providing stability, making it ideal for beginners to learn the movement.
How to do it
- Sit upright in the shoulder press machine with your back against the pad.
- Squeeze your shoulder blades together and keep your heels on the ground.
- Grip the handles with an overhand grip just outside shoulder-width.
- Brace your core and push the handles overhead until your arms are fully extended.
- Lower the handles back to the starting position.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps35lbs28reps35lbs38reps35lbs3. Smith Machine One-Arm Upright Row
Smith Machine One-Arm Upright Row demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED86,130Shoulders Strength89 mScoreShoulders
Smith MachineThe Smith Machine One-Arm Upright Row is a shoulder exercise that uses one arm at a time for added challenge. It helps build shoulder strength while ensuring you balance strength between both sides.
How to do it
- Stand upright and grab the bar of the Smith machine with your right arm, just outside your shoulder, resting it on your thighs.
- Unhook the bar and pull it up towards your chest by bending your right elbow.
- Keep your back straight and lower the bar back to your thighs after reaching chest height. Repeat on the left side.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps17.5lbs28reps17.5lbs38reps17.5lbs4. Smith Machine Overhead Shoulder Press
Smith Machine Overhead Shoulder Press demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED318,975Shoulders Strength77 mScoreShoulders
Smith MachineThe Smith Machine Overhead Shoulder Press is a safe way to work your shoulder muscles. This exercise uses a Smith Machine for better control and stability while pressing the bar overhead.
How to do it
- Set the Smith Machine bar at shoulder height.
- Sit under the bar with it at chest level.
- Position your elbows under the bar and palms facing up, then stand up to lift the bar.
- Engage your core and press the bar straight up until your arms are fully extended above your head.
- Lower the bar back to the starting position at chest level.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps35lbs28reps35lbs38reps35lbs5. Machine Bicep Curl
Machine Bicep Curl demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED1,286,734Biceps Strength94 mScoreBiceps
Bicep Curl MachineThe Machine Bicep Curl is an exercise that strengthens the biceps using a fixed machine. It provides stability, allowing you to focus on your workout without worrying about balance.
How to do it
- Sit upright in the bicep curl machine and rest your arms on the pads.
- Grab the handles with an underhand grip.
- With your arms parallel to your shoulders, bend your elbows to lift the handles while keeping your upper arms on the pads.
- Lower the handles back to the starting position after they touch your biceps.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps35lbs28reps35lbs38reps35lbs6. Machine Preacher Curl
Machine Preacher Curl demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED1,100,200Biceps Strength83 mScoreBiceps
Preacher Curl MachineThe Machine Preacher Curl is a simple exercise that helps strengthen your biceps. Using the preacher curl machine keeps your elbows stable, allowing you to focus on lifting the weight effectively for better results.
How to do it
- Sit down in the preacher curl machine and press your chest against the pad.
- Grab the handles with an underhand grip, extending your arms over the pad.
- Keep your upper arms against the pad and curl the handles toward your biceps by bending your elbows.
- Lower the handles back to the starting position once your forearms touch your biceps.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps35lbs28reps35lbs38reps35lbs7. Machine Tricep Dip
Machine Tricep Dip demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED1,285,047Triceps Strength89 mScoreTriceps
Tricep Dip MachineMachine Tricep Dips are a beginner-friendly exercise that focuses on strengthening your triceps using a machine. The machine provides stability, making it easier to concentrate on the movement without worrying about balance. This exercise is ideal for building muscle and preparing for bodyweight dips.
How to do it
- Sit upright in the tricep dip machine, pressing your lower back and shoulders against the back pad.
- Grab the handles with your palms facing in and elbows bent at 90 degrees.
- Keep your elbows close to your body and extend your arms.
- Slowly return to the starting position by bending your elbows.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps55lbs28reps55lbs38reps55lbs8. Machine Tricep Extension
Machine Tricep Extension demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED1,118,041Triceps Strength95 mScoreTriceps
Triceps Extension MachineThe Machine Tricep Extension is an exercise that focuses on strengthening your triceps. Using a machine helps stabilize your movement, ensuring that only your triceps are engaged while keeping your elbows steady against the pad.
How to do it
- Sit up straight in the machine with your arms resting on the pads.
- Grab the handles with your palms facing in (neutral grip).
- Keep your upper arms parallel in front of your shoulders.
- Extend your elbows to lower the handles, keeping your upper arms on the pad.
- Before fully extending your elbows, return the handles to the starting position.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps45lbs28reps45lbs38reps45lbs9. Smith Machine Close-Grip Bench Press
Smith Machine Close-Grip Bench Press demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED281,862Triceps Strength64 mScoreTriceps
Smith Machine
Flat BenchThe Smith Machine Close-Grip Bench Press is a safe way to strengthen your triceps, chest, and shoulders. This exercise focuses on your triceps, helping to build arm strength and muscle definition, making it great for beginners and experienced lifters alike.
How to do it
- Lie on a bench and squeeze your shoulder blades together. Keep your heels flat on the floor.
- Ensure the bench touches your head, shoulders, and butt throughout the exercise.
- Position the Smith Machine bar over your lower chest and grip it with your hands directly above your shoulders.
- Brace your core, unhook the bar, and lower it to your chest by bending your elbows.
- Gently touch your chest with the bar, then exhale and push it back to the starting position.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps40lbs28reps40lbs38reps40lbs10. Machine Reverse Fly
Machine Reverse Fly demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED337,277Shoulders Strength81 mScoreShoulders
Fly MachineThe Machine Reverse Fly exercise targets your shoulders, focusing on the back of your shoulder. Using a machine makes it easier to control the motion and provides a stable, comfortable position.
How to do it
- Sit facing the machine with the seat adjusted so you can hold the handles at shoulder height.
- Push the handles apart until your arms are straight out to the sides.
- Slowly return to the starting position.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps30lbs28reps30lbs38reps30lbs11. Assisted Dip
Assisted Dip demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED551,433Triceps Strength91 mScoreTriceps
Assisted Weight MachineThe Assisted Dip is a modified version of the standard dip, designed for beginners. It primarily works the triceps and provides support by using a counterweight, making it easier to maintain balance and focus on the movement.
How to do it
- Grab the dip bars with your arms straight.
- Kneel on the assisted dip machine pad and engage your core.
- Lean slightly forward and keep your shoulders back.
- Bend your elbows to lower your body until they are at a 90-degree angle.
- Push back up to the starting position by straightening your elbows.
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