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Best Beginner Shoulders Workouts With Dumbbells

About

Dumbbells are versatile pieces of equipment, allowing independent movement of each arm, which enhances stability and prevents muscular imbalances.

They can be used in single-arm exercises to engage the core more effectively.

Beginner workouts prioritize simple yet effective movements, suited for individuals with less than a year of training experience.

These routines utilize reduced weights to facilitate learning proper form while providing a challenging workout for any fitness level.

Shoulder exercises primarily target the deltoid muscles responsible for overhead arm motions and contribute to overall upper-body strength.

Common movements include overhead presses and lateral raises.

The 15 Best Beginner Shoulders Exercises with Dumbbells

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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 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
  • 3. 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
  • 4. 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
  • 5. Dumbbell Standing Front Press

    Dumbbell Standing Front Press demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    129,056
    Shoulders Strength
    88 mScore
    Shoulders
    Photo of Dumbbells
    Dumbbells

    The Dumbbell Standing Front Press is a shoulder exercise done while standing. It strengthens your shoulders and improves your balance by engaging your core. Using dumbbells helps ensure both sides of your body work equally.

    How to do it

    1. Hold a dumbbell in each hand at shoulder height with palms facing you.
    2. Stand with feet hip-width apart and knees slightly bent.
    3. Keep your core tight and back straight while looking forward.
    4. Press the dumbbells overhead by extending your arms.
    5. Pause briefly at the top, then lower the dumbbells back to shoulder height.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    15lbs
    2
    8reps
    15lbs
    3
    8reps
    15lbs
  • 6. Dumbbell Standing Single Arm Front Press

    Dumbbell Standing Single Arm Front Press demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    85,089
    Shoulders Strength
    85 mScore
    Shoulders
    Photo of Dumbbells
    Dumbbells

    The Dumbbell Standing Single Arm Front Press is an effective shoulder exercise that builds strength and stability. By pressing a dumbbell from in front of your shoulder, you engage not just your shoulder muscles but also your core for better balance and posture.

    How to do it

    1. Hold a dumbbell in one hand, with your palm facing outward and the dumbbell in front of your shoulder.
    2. Stand with your feet hip-width apart and slightly bend your knees.
    3. Engage your core, keep your back straight, and look straight ahead.
    4. Optionally, place your other hand on your hip for stability.
    5. Press the dumbbell overhead by straightening your arm, using your shoulder muscles.
    6. Pause briefly at the top, then lower the dumbbell back to the start position.
    7. Complete all reps on one side before switching to the other arm.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    20lbs
    2
    8reps
    20lbs
    3
    8reps
    20lbs
  • 7. Dumbbell Cuban Shoulder Rotations

    Dumbbell Cuban Shoulder Rotations demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    92,391
    Shoulders Strength
    82 mScore
    Shoulders
    Photo of Dumbbells
    Dumbbells

    Dumbbell Cuban Shoulder Rotations strengthen and improve shoulder mobility, focusing on the rotator cuff. You hold dumbbells at shoulder level and rotate your arms forward for a full range of motion.

    How to do it

    1. Hold a dumbbell in each hand.
    2. Stand with feet hip-width apart and slightly bend your knees.
    3. Lower your shoulder blades back and down.
    4. Lift your elbows out to the sides, thumbs up, making a 'goalpost' shape.
    5. Rotate the dumbbells forward until your forearms are parallel to the floor, keeping a 90-degree angle at your shoulders and elbows.
    6. Pause in this position for a moment.
    7. Slowly return to the starting position, maintaining tension in your shoulders.
    8. Pause at the top for a moment before repeating.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    12.5lbs
    2
    8reps
    12.5lbs
    3
    8reps
    12.5lbs
  • 8. Elbows Out Bent Over Dumbbell Row

    Elbows Out Bent Over Dumbbell Row demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    312,083
    Shoulders Strength
    94 mScore
    Shoulders
    Photo of Dumbbells
    Dumbbells

    The Elbows Out Bent Over Dumbbell Row focuses on strengthening your back muscles. By flaring your elbows out, this exercise enhances the engagement of your upper back and rear shoulder muscles, providing a great workout for your upper body.

    How to do it

    1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, holding dumbbells at your hips.
    2. Bend your knees slightly and hinge at the hips to lean your torso forward at a 45-degree angle.
    3. Keep your arms straight with the dumbbells under your shoulders.
    4. Pull your elbows wide up to shoulder level, squeezing your shoulder blades together.
    5. Lower the dumbbells back down to start and repeat.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    12.5lbs
    2
    8reps
    12.5lbs
    3
    8reps
    12.5lbs
  • 9. 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
  • 10. 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
  • 11. Dumbbell Underhand Front Raise

    Dumbbell Underhand Front Raise demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    206,229
    Shoulders Strength
    70 mScore
    Shoulders
    Photo of Dumbbells
    Dumbbells

    The Dumbbell Underhand Front Raise targets the front of your shoulders using a unique grip. This exercise helps strengthen your shoulder muscles and adds variety to your workout routine.

    How to do it

    1. Grab a dumbbell in each hand with an underhand grip.
    2. Stand tall with your arms at your sides.
    3. Bend your elbows slightly and lift the dumbbells in front of you to shoulder height.
    4. Lower the dumbbells back to the starting position and repeat.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    12.5lbs
    2
    8reps
    12.5lbs
    3
    8reps
    12.5lbs
  • 12. Dumbbell Punches

    Dumbbell Punches demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    43,279
    Shoulders Strength
    73 mScore
    Shoulders
    Photo of Dumbbells
    Dumbbells

    Dumbbell Punches help strengthen your shoulders and arms using dumbbells for resistance. This exercise improves your upper body strength and helps with quick arm movements, making it useful for sports. It also helps balance strength between both sides of your body.

    How to do it

    1. Hold a dumbbell in each hand at chest height, palms facing each other.
    2. Stand with feet wider than shoulder-width and bend your knees slightly.
    3. Engage your core and keep your back straight while looking forward.
    4. Extend one arm forward, keeping it parallel to the ground, and turn your wrist so your palm faces down.
    5. Reverse the movement back to the starting position.
    6. Slowly repeat the movement with the opposite arm.
    7. Alternate sides for the rest of the set.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    12.5lbs
    2
    8reps
    12.5lbs
    3
    8reps
    12.5lbs
  • 13. Dumbbell Seated Single Arm Shoulder Press

    Dumbbell Seated Single Arm Shoulder Press demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    50,830
    Shoulders Strength
    81 mScore
    Shoulders
    Photo of Dumbbells
    Dumbbells
    Photo of Incline Bench
    Incline Bench

    The Dumbbell Seated Single Arm Shoulder Press is a shoulder exercise that targets your upper body while also engaging your core. Performing it one arm at a time helps improve stability and posture.

    How to do it

    1. Sit upright on a bench with your back straight and feet flat on the floor.
    2. Hold a dumbbell in one hand at your side with your palm facing forward.
    3. Engage your core and keep your back straight as you raise the dumbbell overhead.
    4. Pause briefly at the top, then lower the dumbbell slowly to your side.
    5. Complete the desired reps for one arm, then switch to the other arm and repeat.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    22.5lbs
    2
    8reps
    22.5lbs
    3
    8reps
    22.5lbs
  • 14. Seated Dumbbell Front Press

    Seated Dumbbell Front Press demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    47,941
    Shoulders Strength
    90 mScore
    Shoulders
    Photo of Dumbbells
    Dumbbells
    Photo of Incline Bench
    Incline Bench

    The Seated Dumbbell Front Press is a shoulder exercise that helps build strength by using dumbbells while sitting. This position provides stability, allowing you to focus on your shoulders without worrying about balancing your body.

    How to do it

    1. Sit upright on a bench with your back straight and feet flat on the floor.
    2. Hold a dumbbell in each hand at shoulder height, with palms facing each other.
    3. Engage your core and look forward to keep good posture.
    4. Press the dumbbells overhead by extending your arms.
    5. Hold for a moment at the top, then slowly bring the dumbbells back to shoulder height.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    20lbs
    2
    8reps
    20lbs
    3
    8reps
    20lbs
  • 15. Seated Single Arm Dumbbell Front Press

    Seated Single Arm Dumbbell Front Press demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    22,298
    Shoulders Strength
    79 mScore
    Shoulders
    Photo of Dumbbells
    Dumbbells
    Photo of Incline Bench
    Incline Bench

    The Seated Single Arm Dumbbell Front Press strengthens your shoulders by pressing one arm at a time while seated. This variation helps improve stability and balance by isolating each side of your body, making it ideal for beginners.

    How to do it

    1. Sit upright on a bench with your back straight and feet flat on the floor.
    2. Hold a dumbbell in one hand with your palm facing in, and place your other hand on your hip or stomach for support.
    3. Raise the dumbbell overhead, keeping your core engaged and looking forward.
    4. Hold the position briefly at the top, then slowly lower the dumbbell back to the starting position.
    5. Complete the desired number of repetitions on one side, then switch to the other arm.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    22.5lbs
    2
    8reps
    22.5lbs
    3
    8reps
    22.5lbs

Alternative Workouts

Alternative Shoulders Workouts with Dumbbells

Alternative Beginner Shoulders Workouts

Alternative Beginner Workouts with Dumbbells