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Best Beginner Bicep And Shoulders Workouts To Get Lean And Burn Fat

About

This routine incorporates beginner-friendly exercises, ensuring safety while targeting fundamental muscle groups.

The focus is on enhancing the deltoids and biceps through straightforward movements, ideal for those with less than one year of training experience.

High repetitions with manageable weights sustain an elevated heart rate, promoting calorie burning and muscle retention for fat reduction.

Equipment used is simple, reducing the injury risk while maintaining the effectiveness of the exercises.

Together, these features offer an effective workout to develop lean, toned arms and shoulders.

The 15 Best Beginner Bicep and Shoulders Exercises to Get Lean and Burn Fat

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 LOGGED
    5,823,163
    Shoulders Strength
    98 mScore
    Shoulders
    Photo of Dumbbells
    Dumbbells

    The 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

    1. Stand upright holding a dumbbell in each hand at waist height, palms facing inward.
    2. Keep your arms slightly bent and lift the dumbbells in front of you to just above shoulder height.
    3. Lower the dumbbells back to waist height, maintaining a neutral back.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    12.5lbs
    2
    8reps
    12.5lbs
    3
    8reps
    12.5lbs
  • 2. Dumbbell Shoulder Press

    Dumbbell Shoulder Press demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    6,772,064
    Shoulders Strength
    99 mScore
    Shoulders
    Photo of Dumbbells
    Dumbbells
    Photo of Flat Bench
    Flat Bench

    The 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

    1. Sit on a bench with your back straight.
    2. Hold a dumbbell in each hand, just outside shoulder-width, palms facing forward.
    3. Bend your elbows and keep them close to your sides.
    4. Press the dumbbells overhead until your arms are fully extended, keeping your wrists straight.
    5. Lower the dumbbells back to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    20lbs
    2
    8reps
    20lbs
    3
    8reps
    20lbs
  • 3. Dumbbell Shoulder Raise

    Dumbbell Shoulder Raise demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    3,935,648
    Shoulders Strength
    98 mScore
    Shoulders
    Photo of Dumbbells
    Dumbbells

    The 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

    1. Stand upright with your feet shoulder-width apart.
    2. Hold a dumbbell in each hand with your palms facing in at your hips.
    3. Tighten your core by breathing deeply and engaging your abs.
    4. With a slight bend in your elbows, raise the dumbbells to the sides until they reach shoulder height.
    5. Lower the dumbbells back to the starting position in a controlled manner.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    12.5lbs
    2
    8reps
    12.5lbs
    3
    8reps
    12.5lbs
  • 4. Dumbbell Bicep Curl

    Dumbbell Bicep Curl demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    10,161,709
    Biceps Strength
    99 mScore
    Biceps
    Photo of Dumbbells
    Dumbbells

    The 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

    1. Stand upright and hold a dumbbell in each hand at your sides, palms facing you.
    2. Engage your core by breathing deeply and tightening your abdominal muscles.
    3. Flex your elbows to lift one dumbbell up towards your shoulder while keeping your elbow close to your side.
    4. As you lift, rotate your wrist so your palm faces your shoulder at the top of the curl.
    5. Lower the dumbbell back to the starting position by rotating your wrist back to palms-facing position.
    6. Once the first dumbbell is down, repeat the process with the other arm.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    20lbs
    2
    8reps
    20lbs
    3
    8reps
    20lbs
  • 5. Barbell Curl

    Barbell Curl demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    5,529,638
    Biceps Strength
    96 mScore
    Biceps
    Photo of Barbells
    Barbells

    The 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

    1. Stand up straight and grasp a barbell with both hands, shoulder-width apart, palms facing away.
    2. Tighten your core by taking a deep breath and flexing your stomach muscles.
    3. Bend your elbows to lift the barbell to shoulder height, keeping your elbows close to your sides.
    4. Exhale and slowly lower the barbell back to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    30lbs
    2
    8reps
    30lbs
    3
    8reps
    30lbs
  • 6. Hammer Curls

    Hammer Curls demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    8,921,793
    Biceps Strength
    98 mScore
    Biceps
    Photo of Dumbbells
    Dumbbells

    Hammer 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

    1. Stand tall with your feet shoulder-width apart.
    2. Hold a dumbbell in each hand with your palms facing inward and arms at your sides.
    3. Engage your core by tightening your stomach muscles.
    4. Curl one dumbbell up to shoulder height while keeping your elbow close to your side.
    5. Lower the dumbbell back down to the starting position.
    6. Switch arms and repeat the movement.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    20lbs
    2
    8reps
    20lbs
    3
    8reps
    20lbs
  • 7. Seated Dumbbell Curl

    Seated Dumbbell Curl demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    3,675,670
    Biceps Strength
    95 mScore
    Biceps
    Photo of Dumbbells
    Dumbbells

    The 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

    1. Sit upright on a bench with a dumbbell in each hand, arms at your sides and palms facing in.
    2. Tighten your core and bend one elbow to lift the dumbbell towards your shoulder, keeping your upper arm still.
    3. Lower the dumbbell back down and repeat with the other arm.
    4. Alternate lifting each arm.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    15lbs
    2
    8reps
    15lbs
    3
    8reps
    15lbs
  • 8. Dumbbell Wide Curls

    Dumbbell Wide Curls demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    799,835
    Biceps Strength
    70 mScore
    Biceps
    Photo of Dumbbells
    Dumbbells

    Dumbbell 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

    1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and knees slightly bent.
    2. Hold a dumbbell in each hand with your arms flared out to the sides.
    3. Curl the dumbbells up while keeping them wider than shoulder-width at the top.
    4. Pause briefly at the top, feeling the contraction in your biceps.
    5. Lower the dumbbells back down slowly, keeping tension on your biceps.
    6. Keep your elbows close to your sides and maintain good posture throughout.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    15lbs
    2
    8reps
    15lbs
    3
    8reps
    15lbs
  • 9. Cross Body Hammer Curls

    Cross Body Hammer Curls demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    1,172,804
    Biceps Strength
    91 mScore
    Biceps
    Photo of Dumbbells
    Dumbbells

    Cross Body Hammer Curls are a bicep exercise that involves lifting weights across your body. This movement targets the biceps effectively by moving the dumbbell in a diagonal path rather than straight up and down.

    How to do it

    1. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart holding a dumbbell in each hand.
    2. Position the dumbbells in front of you with palms facing your body and elbows slightly bent.
    3. Raise one dumbbell in an arc to the opposite shoulder, keeping your elbow locked.
    4. Hold for a moment at the top, then lower the dumbbell back to the starting position.
    5. Switch arms and repeat the movement.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    15lbs
    2
    8reps
    15lbs
    3
    8reps
    15lbs
  • 10. Kettlebell Upright Row

    Kettlebell Upright Row demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    749,947
    Shoulders Strength
    95 mScore
    Shoulders
    Photo of Kettlebells
    Kettlebells

    The Kettlebell Upright Row targets your shoulders and improves muscle activation by allowing you to pull the kettlebell in different directions. It's a great way to build strength in your upper body while using a kettlebell.

    How to do it

    1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart.
    2. Hold the kettlebell handle with both hands using an overhand grip.
    3. Pull your elbows up past your shoulders, keeping the kettlebell close until it reaches your upper chest.
    4. Lower the kettlebell back to the start position in a controlled manner.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    20lbs
    2
    8reps
    20lbs
    3
    8reps
    20lbs
  • 11. Landmine Press

    Landmine Press demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    206,388
    Shoulders Strength
    88 mScore
    Shoulders
    Photo of Barbells
    Barbells
    Photo of Landmine
    Landmine

    The Landmine Press is an exercise that strengthens your shoulders. By using a landmine, you can press the weight up and forward, which helps improve strength for sports and everyday activities.

    How to do it

    1. Stand with the barbell perpendicular to your body.
    2. Place your feet shoulder-width apart, holding the end of the barbell in front of your chest with both hands.
    3. Grip the bar with your palms facing each other and elbows close to your sides.
    4. Brace your core and press the bar upward and forward.
    5. Lower the bar back to the starting position and repeat.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    35lbs
    2
    8reps
    35lbs
    3
    8reps
    35lbs
  • 12. Machine Lateral Raise

    Machine Lateral Raise demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    561,098
    Shoulders Strength
    92 mScore
    Shoulders
    Photo of Shoulder Shrug Machine
    Shoulder Shrug Machine

    The 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

    1. Sit facing the machine with your arms resting on the pads.
    2. Keep your chest up and back straight.
    3. Lift your arms out to the side until they are level with the floor.
    4. Pause briefly, then lower your arms back to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    30lbs
    2
    8reps
    30lbs
    3
    8reps
    30lbs
  • 13. Machine Shoulder Press

    Machine Shoulder Press demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    1,196,498
    Shoulders Strength
    94 mScore
    Shoulders
    Photo of Shoulder Press Machine
    Shoulder Press Machine

    The 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

    1. Sit upright in the shoulder press machine with your back against the pad.
    2. Squeeze your shoulder blades together and keep your heels on the ground.
    3. Grip the handles with an overhand grip just outside shoulder-width.
    4. Brace your core and push the handles overhead until your arms are fully extended.
    5. Lower the handles back to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    35lbs
    2
    8reps
    35lbs
    3
    8reps
    35lbs
  • 14. Single Arm Landmine Press

    Single Arm Landmine Press demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    143,234
    Shoulders Strength
    65 mScore
    Shoulders
    Photo of Barbells
    Barbells
    Photo of Landmine
    Landmine

    The Single Arm Landmine Press is an upper body exercise that targets your shoulders, triceps, and core using a landmine attachment. By pressing with one arm at a time, it helps improve strength, stability, and coordination, making it a great choice for beginners and athletes alike.

    How to do it

    1. Stand tall with feet shoulder-width apart.
    2. Hold the end of the barbell in your right hand, just in front of your right shoulder.
    3. Keep your right forearm vertical and your elbow tucked to your side.
    4. Brace your core and push the barbell upward until your arm is fully extended.
    5. Slowly lower the barbell back to the starting position and switch to your left arm.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    25lbs
    2
    8reps
    25lbs
    3
    8reps
    25lbs
  • 15. Mini Loop Band Overhead Fly

    Mini Loop Band Overhead Fly demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    213,849
    Shoulders Strength
    83 mScore
    Shoulders
    Photo of Mini Loop Bands
    Mini Loop Bands

    The Mini Loop Band Overhead Fly is a simple exercise that strengthens your shoulders and upper back. By using a mini loop band, you add resistance which helps improve muscle strength and stability while promoting shoulder health.

    How to do it

    1. Stand up straight and wrap a band around your wrists with arms extended to the sides.
    2. Keep your hands shoulder-width apart and raise your arms overhead.
    3. Push your wrists apart to form a 'Y' shape with your arms.
    4. Return to shoulder-width and repeat for the desired number of repetitions.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    9reps
    2
    9reps
    3
    9reps

Alternative Workouts

Alternative Bicep and Shoulders Workouts to Get Lean and Burn Fat

Alternative Beginner Workouts to Get Lean and Burn Fat

Alternative Beginner Bicep and Shoulders Workouts