Best Beginner Pull Day Workouts With Dumbbells
About
Dumbbells are one of the most versatile and effective pieces of workout equipment.
They allow for isolated movements, ensuring balanced muscle engagement, and activating stabilizing muscle groups for improved overall strength development.
Beginner exercises are designed with accessible movements and controlled risk, catering to those with less than one year of experience in resistance training.
Pull exercises include horizontal row patterns and vertical pull motions, focusing on engaging the back and bicep muscle groups effectively.
By incorporating compound and isolation exercises, beginners can achieve a challenging yet manageable workout in their fitness journey.
Consider this approach as part of a tailored PPL (Push, Pull, Legs) routine for optimal progress.
Workout 1
Back, Biceps

Dumbbell Row
15reps25lbs25reps25lbs35reps25lbs45reps25lbs55reps25lbs
Dumbbell Bicep Curl
18reps20lbs28reps20lbs38reps20lbs
Hammer Curls
110reps15lbs210reps15lbs310reps15lbs
Dumbbell Bent Over Row
112reps15lbs212reps15lbs
Waiter Curls
112reps30lbs212reps30lbs312reps30lbs
Dumbbell Bent Over Reverse Fly
112reps10lbs212reps10lbs312reps10lbs
Workout 2
Biceps, Back

Seated Dumbbell Curl
15reps17.5lbs25reps17.5lbs35reps17.5lbs45reps17.5lbs55reps17.5lbs
Dumbbell Row
18reps25lbs28reps25lbs38reps25lbs
Incline Dumbbell Row
110reps30lbs210reps30lbs310reps30lbs
Dumbbell Wide Curls
112reps12.5lbs212reps12.5lbs
Cross Body Hammer Curls
112reps5lbs212reps5lbs312reps5lbs
Dumbbell Bent Over Row
112reps15lbs212reps15lbs312reps15lbs
Workout 3
Biceps, Back

Dumbbell Bicep Curl
15reps22.5lbs25reps22.5lbs35reps22.5lbs45reps22.5lbs55reps22.5lbs
Dumbbell Row
18reps25lbs28reps25lbs38reps25lbs
Dumbbell Bent Over Reverse Fly
110reps12.5lbs210reps12.5lbs310reps12.5lbs
Dumbbell Pause Curl
112reps22.5lbs212reps22.5lbs
Dumbbell Hammer Pause Curl
112reps22.5lbs212reps22.5lbs312reps22.5lbs
Dumbbell Bent Over Row
112reps15lbs212reps15lbs312reps15lbs
The 15 Best Beginner Pull Day Exercises with Dumbbells
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Ranked based on Fitbod's internal data set of the most effective exercises. Learn More
1. Dumbbell Bent Over Row
Dumbbell Bent Over Row demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED4,165,923Back Strength97 mScoreBack
DumbbellsThe Dumbbell Bent Over Row targets your back and biceps. Using dumbbells helps ensure both sides of your body are trained equally and adds difficulty, making it great for building strength and muscle in your back workouts.
How to do it
- Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, holding dumbbells beside your hips.
- Bend your knees slightly and push your hips back, leaning your torso forward at a 45-degree angle.
- Keep your arms extended with dumbbells under your shoulders.
- Pull the dumbbells toward your sides, squeezing your shoulder blades together at the top.
- Lower the dumbbells back to the starting position and repeat.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps17.5lbs28reps17.5lbs38reps17.5lbs2. Dumbbell Row
Dumbbell Row demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED8,648,581Back Strength99 mScoreBack
Dumbbells
Flat BenchThe Dumbbell Row is a great exercise that strengthens your back, shoulders, and biceps while also engaging your core for stability. You can do this exercise using a flat bench and dumbbells, making it accessible even with limited equipment.
How to do it
- Place a dumbbell on each side of a flat bench.
- Kneel on the bench with your right knee and place your right hand on the bench's edge.
- Keep your torso parallel to the ground and grab the dumbbell with your left hand, palm facing your torso.
- Pull the dumbbell up to your side, engaging your back; exhale as you lift.
- Pause briefly at the top, then lower the dumbbell back to the starting position.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps30lbs28reps30lbs38reps30lbs3. 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. 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, Weight18reps20lbs28reps20lbs38reps20lbs5. 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, Weight18reps15lbs28reps15lbs38reps15lbs6. 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, Weight18reps15lbs28reps15lbs38reps15lbs7. 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, Weight18reps15lbs28reps15lbs38reps15lbs8. Cross Body Hammer Curls
Cross Body Hammer Curls demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED1,172,804Biceps Strength91 mScoreBiceps
DumbbellsCross 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
- Stand with feet shoulder-width apart holding a dumbbell in each hand.
- Position the dumbbells in front of you with palms facing your body and elbows slightly bent.
- Raise one dumbbell in an arc to the opposite shoulder, keeping your elbow locked.
- Hold for a moment at the top, then lower the dumbbell back to the starting position.
- Switch arms and repeat the movement.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps15lbs28reps15lbs38reps15lbs9. Dumbbell Pause Curl
Dumbbell Pause Curl demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED121,541Biceps Strength79 mScoreBiceps
DumbbellsThe Dumbbell Pause Curl targets the biceps with a brief hold at the top position. This exercise builds muscle strength and improves the appearance of your arms, making it great for enhancing bicep curls.
How to do it
- Hold a dumbbell in each hand at your sides with palms facing your legs.
- Stand with feet hip-width apart and slightly bend your knees.
- Engage your core, keep your back straight, and look forward.
- Raise the dumbbells towards your chest while keeping your elbows by your sides.
- Rotate your wrists so your palms face you at the top of the movement.
- Pause and squeeze your biceps for one second.
- Slowly lower the dumbbells back to the start position while maintaining tension.
- Switch sides and repeat.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps15lbs28reps15lbs38reps15lbs10. Dumbbell Drag Pause Curl
Dumbbell Drag Pause Curl demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED89,070Biceps Strength77 mScoreBiceps
DumbbellsThe Dumbbell Drag Pause Curl targets your biceps by adding a pause at the top of the curl, which helps build strength and size. It is great for maximizing your bicep workouts and focusing on muscle contraction.
How to do it
- Hold a dumbbell in each hand with palms facing forward at your sides.
- Stand with feet shoulder-width apart and slightly bend your knees.
- Keep your core tight and back straight.
- Lift the dumbbells upwards, keeping your elbows close to your body.
- Pause for one second at the top and squeeze your biceps.
- Slowly lower the dumbbells back to the starting position.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps15lbs28reps15lbs38reps15lbs11. Dumbbell Hammer Pause Curl
Dumbbell Hammer Pause Curl demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED139,118Biceps Strength75 mScoreBiceps
DumbbellsThe Dumbbell Hammer Pause Curl is an exercise that strengthens your biceps and forearms by adding a brief pause at the top of the movement. This helps build muscle and grip strength, making it great for improving arm size.
How to do it
- Stand with your feet hip-width apart and hold a dumbbell in each hand, palms facing your legs.
- Bend your knees slightly and keep your core tight and back straight.
- Curl the dumbbells up toward your chest, keeping your elbows close to your sides.
- Pause for at least one second at the top while squeezing your biceps.
- Slowly lower the dumbbells back to the starting position, maintaining muscle tension.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps15lbs28reps15lbs38reps15lbs12. Dumbbell Standing Hammer Curl To Front Press
Dumbbell Standing Hammer Curl To Front Press demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED151,445Biceps Strength70 mScoreBiceps
DumbbellsThe Dumbbell Standing Hammer Curl To Front Press is a strength exercise that works your biceps and shoulders. It involves curling dumbbells towards your chest and then pressing them overhead while standing, which also helps engage your core for stability.
How to do it
- Hold a dumbbell in each hand with your arms at your sides and palms facing in.
- Stand with your feet hip-width apart and knees slightly bent.
- Engage your core and keep your back straight.
- Curl the dumbbells up towards your chest, stopping just in front of your shoulders.
- Press the dumbbells overhead, fully extending your arms.
- Lower the dumbbells back to the starting position, keeping tension in your biceps and shoulders.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps17.5lbs28reps17.5lbs38reps17.5lbs13. Dumbbell Bent Over Reverse Fly
Dumbbell Bent Over Reverse Fly demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED358,110Back Strength84 mScoreBack
DumbbellsThe Dumbbell Bent Over Reverse Fly is an exercise that strengthens the back of your shoulders. This move helps balance strength between both sides and engages your upper back as well.
How to do it
- Grab a dumbbell in each hand, letting them hang by your sides.
- Stand with your feet hip-width apart and slightly bend your knees.
- Bend forward at your hips until your back is at a 45-degree angle, keeping the dumbbells between your torso and the floor.
- Engage your core and maintain a straight back while looking ahead.
- Lift the dumbbells out to the sides until your arms are parallel to the ground, palms facing down.
- Squeeze your shoulder blades together as you hold this position for a moment.
- Slowly lower the dumbbells back to the starting position, keeping tension in your back.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps15lbs28reps15lbs38reps15lbs14. Dumbbell Drag Curl
Dumbbell Drag Curl demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED360,412Biceps Strength91 mScoreBiceps
DumbbellsThe Dumbbell Drag Curl targets the biceps, specifically the long head, to improve their shape and peak. This exercise isolates the biceps while reducing shoulder movement, making it ideal for those looking to enhance their bicep definition.
How to do it
- Stand with feet shoulder-width apart and knees slightly bent.
- Hold a dumbbell in each hand with palms facing up, positioned at your hips.
- Lift the dumbbells straight up along your body, keeping your elbows back as you go.
- Pause briefly at the top when your biceps are fully contracted.
- Lower the dumbbells back to the starting position slowly, keeping your biceps engaged.
- Keep your shoulders back and chest lifted during the exercise.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps15lbs28reps15lbs38reps15lbs15. Dumbbell No Money Curls
Dumbbell No Money Curls demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED558,921Biceps Strength67 mScoreBiceps
DumbbellsThe Dumbbell No Money Curls strengthen your biceps and shoulder stability by rotating your shoulders as you curl. This exercise helps improve posture and prevent injuries, making it great for beginners.
How to do it
- Stand with feet hip-width apart and hold a dumbbell in each hand with palms facing in at your sides.
- Bend your elbows to lift the dumbbells upward and away from your body, keeping your elbows close to your torso.
- Lower the dumbbells back to the starting position in a controlled manner.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps15lbs28reps15lbs38reps15lbs
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