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Best Beginner Bicep And Shoulders Workouts With Garage Gym

About

This workout utilizes versatile garage gym equipment such as barbells, dumbbells, benches, pull-up bars, and squat racks to efficiently train major muscle groups.

By focusing on beginner-friendly movements, it ensures proper form and reduces the risk of injury, making it suitable for individuals with less than one year of fitness experience.

Targeting the deltoids through overhead presses and straight-arm raises, as well as biceps through isolated and compound pulling exercises, the program promotes balanced upper body strength.

Adjustments in weight and repetitions accommodate individual capabilities and progress.

Designed specifically to provide a solid foundation, this routine ensures a comprehensive approach to fitness development.

The 15 Best Beginner Bicep and Shoulders 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 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
  • 2. 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
  • 3. EZ-Bar Curl

    EZ-Bar Curl demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    4,152,468
    Biceps Strength
    97 mScore
    Biceps
    Photo of EZ Bar
    EZ Bar

    The 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

    1. Stand up straight and hold the EZ-Bar with both hands, palms facing away from you, at waist height.
    2. Engage your core by tightening your stomach muscles.
    3. Curl the bar by bending your elbows, raising it to shoulder height while keeping your elbows close to your body.
    4. Lower the bar back to the starting position and exhale.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    30lbs
    2
    8reps
    30lbs
    3
    8reps
    30lbs
  • 4. 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
  • 5. Dumbbell Back Fly

    Dumbbell Back Fly demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    1,248,270
    Shoulders Strength
    97 mScore
    Shoulders
    Photo of Dumbbells
    Dumbbells
    Photo of Incline Bench
    Incline Bench

    The 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

    1. Grab a pair of dumbbells.
    2. Lie chest-down on an incline bench with your knees slightly bent.
    3. Hold the dumbbells in front of your shoulders, palms facing forward.
    4. Keep your elbows slightly bent and back straight.
    5. Lift the dumbbells out to the sides until shoulder height, squeezing your shoulder blades together.
    6. Lower the dumbbells back to the starting position slowly.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    15lbs
    2
    8reps
    15lbs
    3
    8reps
    15lbs
  • 6. 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
  • 7. 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
  • 8. 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
  • 9. Preacher Curl

    Preacher Curl demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    1,646,964
    Biceps Strength
    92 mScore
    Biceps
    Photo of Preacher Curl Bench
    Preacher Curl Bench
    Photo of EZ Bar
    EZ Bar

    The 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

    1. Sit on the preacher curl bench with your chest against the pad.
    2. Grab the EZ-bar with an underhand grip, arms extended over the pad.
    3. Flex your elbows to lift the bar, keeping your upper arms on the pad.
    4. Lower the bar back to the starting position after it touches your biceps.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    30lbs
    2
    8reps
    30lbs
    3
    8reps
    30lbs
  • 10. Reverse Barbell Curl

    Reverse Barbell Curl demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    2,203,913
    Biceps Strength
    89 mScore
    Biceps
    Photo of Barbells
    Barbells

    The 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

    1. Stand upright holding a barbell with both hands, palms facing towards you, at waist height.
    2. Engage your core by tightening your stomach muscles.
    3. Flex your elbows to raise the barbell to shoulder height, keeping your elbows close to your body.
    4. Lower the barbell back to the starting position and repeat.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    30lbs
    2
    8reps
    30lbs
    3
    8reps
    30lbs
  • 11. 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
  • 12. Incline EZ-Bar Curl

    Incline EZ-Bar Curl demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    455,321
    Biceps Strength
    88 mScore
    Biceps
    Photo of EZ Bar
    EZ Bar
    Photo of Incline Bench
    Incline Bench

    The Incline EZ-Bar Curl is a bicep exercise that uses an EZ-Bar for better grip and stability. Leaning on an incline bench helps maintain tension in your biceps throughout the movement.

    How to do it

    1. Set the incline bench to your preferred angle and lie face down with your chest aligned with the padding.
    2. Grab the EZ-Bar with both hands, palms up, ensuring the bar is positioned between you and the bench.
    3. Slowly lower the bar until your arms are straight, beneath your shoulders.
    4. Curl the bar upwards by contracting your biceps, keeping your elbows steady under your shoulders.
    5. Pause briefly at the top of the movement to fully engage your biceps.
    6. Keep your posture straight and feet planted on the floor for stability.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    25lbs
    2
    8reps
    25lbs
    3
    8reps
    25lbs
  • 13. 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
  • 14. Standing Single Arm Dumbbell Shoulder Press

    Standing Single Arm Dumbbell Shoulder Press demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    135,459
    Shoulders Strength
    86 mScore
    Shoulders
    Photo of Dumbbells
    Dumbbells

    The 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

    1. Stand with feet hip-width apart and slightly bend your knees.
    2. Hold a dumbbell in one hand at head level, palm facing forward.
    3. Engage your core and keep your back straight.
    4. Press the dumbbell overhead using your shoulder muscle.
    5. Optionally, place your opposite hand on your hip for stability.
    6. Pause at the top, then slowly lower the dumbbell back to the starting position.
    7. Complete the desired number of reps, then switch sides and repeat.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    20lbs
    2
    8reps
    20lbs
    3
    8reps
    20lbs
  • 15. Dumbbell Lateral Raise To Front Raise

    Dumbbell Lateral Raise To Front Raise demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    190,424
    Shoulders Strength
    91 mScore
    Shoulders
    Photo of Dumbbells
    Dumbbells

    The 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

    1. Hold a dumbbell in each hand at your sides, palms facing your legs.
    2. Stand with feet hip-width apart and slightly bend your knees.
    3. Keep your back straight and core engaged throughout the exercise.
    4. Raise the dumbbells out to the sides until your arms are parallel to the ground, palms facing down.
    5. Lower the dumbbells back to the starting position.
    6. Raise the dumbbells in front of you, rotating your wrists so that palms face down at the top.
    7. Lower the dumbbells back to the starting position.
    8. Repeat the lateral raise followed by the front raise to complete one repetition.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    12.5lbs
    2
    8reps
    12.5lbs
    3
    8reps
    12.5lbs

Alternative Workouts

Alternative Beginner Workouts with Garage Gym

Alternative Beginner Bicep and Shoulders Workouts

Alternative Bicep and Shoulders Workouts with Garage Gym