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Best Bicep And Shoulders Workouts For Women

About

The biceps and shoulders are integral components of the upper body musculature, comprising the biceps along the front of the arm and the shoulder group, primarily the deltoids at the top.

Each muscle group contributes to frequent pushing and pulling exercises and supports overall mobility.

Effective engagement often involves overhead presses, targeting the shoulders, and curling motions emphasizing the biceps.

For women averaging 5'5", 140 pounds, and 34 years old, repetitions and weights are tailored to accommodate general strength structures, though individual differences may influence specific adjustments.

Incorporating such routines fosters balanced athletic development while respecting natural preference patterns.

The 15 Best Bicep and Shoulders Exercises for Women

Ranked By

Ranked based on Fitbod's internal data set of the most effective exercises. Learn More

  • 1. Dumbbell Rear Delt Raise

    Dumbbell Rear Delt Raise demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    4,323,992
    Shoulders Strength
    97 mScore
    Shoulders
    Photo of Dumbbells
    Dumbbells

    The Dumbbell Rear Delt Raise is an exercise for the shoulders, focusing on the rear deltoids. By leaning forward with your hips back, you can effectively work the muscles at the back of your shoulders.

    How to do it

    1. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart and hold a dumbbell in each hand.
    2. Bend your knees slightly and hinge forward at the hips until your torso is at a 90-degree angle.
    3. Keep your elbows bent and raise the dumbbells out to the sides until they reach shoulder height.
    4. Squeeze your shoulder blades together at the top of the lift and then lower the dumbbells back down slowly.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    10lbs
    2
    8reps
    10lbs
    3
    8reps
    10lbs
  • 2. 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
    25lbs
    2
    8reps
    25lbs
    3
    8reps
    25lbs
  • 3. 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
    15lbs
    2
    8reps
    15lbs
    3
    8reps
    15lbs
  • 4. 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
    25lbs
    2
    8reps
    25lbs
    3
    8reps
    25lbs
  • 5. 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
    15lbs
    2
    8reps
    15lbs
    3
    8reps
    15lbs
  • 6. 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
    12.5lbs
    2
    8reps
    12.5lbs
    3
    8reps
    12.5lbs
  • 7. Barbell Shoulder Press

    Barbell Shoulder Press demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    3,319,013
    Shoulders Strength
    96 mScore
    Shoulders
    Photo of Barbells
    Barbells

    The Barbell Shoulder Press is a strength exercise that mainly works your shoulder muscles. It helps improve your ability to lift weight overhead with stability and strength.

    How to do it

    1. Stand with the barbell at shoulder height and grab it with your hands shoulder-width apart.
    2. Bend your knees slightly and lower yourself to place the bar on your upper chest.
    3. Position your elbows under the bar so your forearms are straight up and palms face forward.
    4. Lift the barbell straight up until your arms are fully extended, keeping it aligned with your ears.
    5. Lower the barbell back to your chest to repeat the exercise.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    30lbs
    2
    8reps
    30lbs
    3
    8reps
    30lbs
  • 8. Cable Lateral Raise

    Cable Lateral Raise demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    1,978,112
    Shoulders Strength
    97 mScore
    Shoulders
    Photo of Hi-Lo Pulley Cable
    Hi-Lo Pulley Cable

    The Cable Lateral Raise is a shoulder exercise that targets the middle deltoid muscle. Using a cable machine allows for better control and can help identify strength differences between your left and right sides.

    How to do it

    1. Adjust the pulley to the lowest position and attach a handle.
    2. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, facing the pulley with your left side.
    3. Grab the handle with your right hand, keep your palm facing in.
    4. Tighten your core to maintain a straight back.
    5. With a slightly bent elbow, raise the handle to shoulder height while rotating it slightly upwards.
    6. Lower the handle back to the starting position and repeat on the other side.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    10lbs
    2
    8reps
    10lbs
    3
    8reps
    10lbs
  • 9. 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
    10lbs
    2
    8reps
    10lbs
    3
    8reps
    10lbs
  • 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
    15lbs
    2
    8reps
    15lbs
    3
    8reps
    15lbs
  • 11. 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
    10lbs
    2
    8reps
    10lbs
    3
    8reps
    10lbs
  • 12. Cable Face Pull

    Cable Face Pull demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    2,132,611
    Shoulders Strength
    96 mScore
    Shoulders
    Photo of Hi-Lo Pulley Cable
    Hi-Lo Pulley Cable

    The Cable Face Pull is an exercise that strengthens your shoulder muscles, especially the rear deltoids. It uses a cable machine, allowing you to easily control the resistance by adjusting the pulley height or your distance from the machine.

    How to do it

    1. Set the pulley to chin height and attach a rope.
    2. Stand with one foot slightly in front of the other and grip the rope with both hands.
    3. Step back until the cable is taut, with your arms extended.
    4. Keep your arms parallel to the ground and engage your core as you pull the rope towards your chin, letting your hands move apart slightly.
    5. When the rope is in front of your chin, return to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    25lbs
    2
    8reps
    25lbs
    3
    8reps
    25lbs
  • 13. Seated Barbell Shoulder Press

    Seated Barbell Shoulder Press demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    825,746
    Shoulders Strength
    95 mScore
    Shoulders
    Photo of Barbells
    Barbells
    Photo of Incline Bench
    Incline Bench

    The Seated Barbell Shoulder Press is an exercise that strengthens your shoulders while seated for better balance. This helps you focus on lifting the weight without using your legs for support.

    How to do it

    1. Sit upright on a bench with your feet flat on the ground.
    2. Hold the barbell with both hands outside shoulder width above your head.
    3. Lower the barbell to your upper chest by bending your elbows.
    4. Push the barbell back up to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    30lbs
    2
    8reps
    30lbs
    3
    8reps
    30lbs
  • 14. Push Press

    Push Press demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    981,212
    Shoulders Strength
    88 mScore
    Shoulders
    Photo of Barbells
    Barbells

    The Push Press is a dynamic exercise that strengthens your shoulders and upper body. It's similar to a Thruster but focuses less on the legs. This exercise helps build power and coordination for overhead movements like the Jerk.

    How to do it

    1. Set the barbell just below your shoulders and grip it with both hands.
    2. Position the barbell on your shoulders and step back with feet shoulder-width apart, slightly turned out.
    3. Bend your knees slightly ('dip') and then push upward with your legs and arms to lift the barbell overhead.
    4. Ensure the barbell is aligned with your ears before lowering it back to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    30lbs
    2
    8reps
    30lbs
    3
    8reps
    30lbs
  • 15. Turkish Get Up

    Turkish Get Up demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    93,905
    Shoulders Strength
    73 mScore
    Shoulders
    Photo of Kettlebells
    Kettlebells

    The Turkish Get Up is a full-body exercise that builds strength and stability. It primarily works the shoulders, core, and legs through a series of movements from lying down to standing up while holding a weight overhead.

    How to do it

    1. Lie on your back with your left leg straight and your right knee bent, foot flat on the ground.
    2. Extend your right arm straight up over your shoulder and place your left arm flat on the ground at a 45-degree angle.
    3. Roll onto your left elbow, then your hand, and sit up while keeping your right arm above you.
    4. Lift your hips and swing your left leg underneath, moving to a tall kneeling position.
    5. Stand up straight, then reverse the steps to return to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    17.5lbs
    2
    8reps
    17.5lbs
    3
    8reps
    17.5lbs

Alternative Workouts

Alternative Workouts for Women

Alternative Bicep and Shoulders Workouts

Alternative Bicep and Shoulders Workouts for Women