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.
Workout 1
Shoulders, Biceps

Barbell Shoulder Press
15reps35lbs25reps35lbs35reps35lbs
Barbell Curl
110reps22.5lbs210reps22.5lbs310reps22.5lbs
Dumbbell Bicep Curl
18reps12.5lbs28reps12.5lbs38reps12.5lbs
Dumbbell Rear Delt Raise
110reps12.5lbs210reps12.5lbs310reps12.5lbs
EZ-Bar Curl
110reps20lbs210reps20lbs
Dumbbell Back Fly
110reps10lbs210reps10lbs
Workout 2
Shoulders, Biceps

Dumbbell Front Raise
15reps15lbs25reps15lbs35reps15lbs
Preacher Curl
115reps10lbs215reps10lbs315reps10lbs
Hammer Curls
18reps15lbs28reps15lbs38reps15lbs
Cable Lateral Raise
110reps7.5lbs210reps7.5lbs310reps7.5lbs
Dumbbell Shoulder Press
110reps12.5lbs210reps12.5lbs
Reverse Barbell Curl
110reps12.5lbs210reps12.5lbs
Workout 3
Shoulders, Biceps

Dumbbell Shoulder Raise
15reps12.5lbs25reps12.5lbs35reps12.5lbs
Seated Dumbbell Curl
110reps12.5lbs210reps12.5lbs310reps12.5lbs
Incline EZ-Bar Curl
18reps25lbs28reps25lbs38reps25lbs
Cable Face Pull
110reps22.5lbs210reps22.5lbs310reps22.5lbs
Turkish Get Up
15reps10lbs25reps10lbs
Cross Body Hammer Curls
110reps5lbs210reps5lbs
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 LOGGED4,323,992Shoulders Strength97 mScoreShoulders
DumbbellsThe 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
- Stand with feet shoulder-width apart and hold a dumbbell in each hand.
- Bend your knees slightly and hinge forward at the hips until your torso is at a 90-degree angle.
- Keep your elbows bent and raise the dumbbells out to the sides until they reach shoulder height.
- Squeeze your shoulder blades together at the top of the lift and then lower the dumbbells back down slowly.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps10lbs28reps10lbs38reps10lbs2. Barbell Curl
Barbell Curl demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED5,529,638Biceps Strength96 mScoreBiceps
BarbellsThe 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
- Stand up straight and grasp a barbell with both hands, shoulder-width apart, palms facing away.
- Tighten your core by taking a deep breath and flexing your stomach muscles.
- Bend your elbows to lift the barbell to shoulder height, keeping your elbows close to your sides.
- Exhale and slowly lower the barbell back to the starting position.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps25lbs28reps25lbs38reps25lbs3. 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, Weight18reps15lbs28reps15lbs38reps15lbs4. EZ-Bar Curl
EZ-Bar Curl demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED4,152,468Biceps Strength97 mScoreBiceps
EZ BarThe 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
- Stand up straight and hold the EZ-Bar with both hands, palms facing away from you, at waist height.
- Engage your core by tightening your stomach muscles.
- Curl the bar by bending your elbows, raising it to shoulder height while keeping your elbows close to your body.
- Lower the bar back to the starting position and exhale.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps25lbs28reps25lbs38reps25lbs5. 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, Weight18reps15lbs28reps15lbs38reps15lbs6. Dumbbell Back Fly
Dumbbell Back Fly demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED1,248,270Shoulders Strength97 mScoreShoulders
Dumbbells
Incline BenchThe 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
- Grab a pair of dumbbells.
- Lie chest-down on an incline bench with your knees slightly bent.
- Hold the dumbbells in front of your shoulders, palms facing forward.
- Keep your elbows slightly bent and back straight.
- Lift the dumbbells out to the sides until shoulder height, squeezing your shoulder blades together.
- Lower the dumbbells back to the starting position slowly.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps12.5lbs28reps12.5lbs38reps12.5lbs7. Barbell Shoulder Press
Barbell Shoulder Press demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED3,319,013Shoulders Strength96 mScoreShoulders
BarbellsThe 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
- Stand with the barbell at shoulder height and grab it with your hands shoulder-width apart.
- Bend your knees slightly and lower yourself to place the bar on your upper chest.
- Position your elbows under the bar so your forearms are straight up and palms face forward.
- Lift the barbell straight up until your arms are fully extended, keeping it aligned with your ears.
- Lower the barbell back to your chest to repeat the exercise.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps30lbs28reps30lbs38reps30lbs8. Cable Lateral Raise
Cable Lateral Raise demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED1,978,112Shoulders Strength97 mScoreShoulders
Hi-Lo Pulley CableThe 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
- Adjust the pulley to the lowest position and attach a handle.
- Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, facing the pulley with your left side.
- Grab the handle with your right hand, keep your palm facing in.
- Tighten your core to maintain a straight back.
- With a slightly bent elbow, raise the handle to shoulder height while rotating it slightly upwards.
- Lower the handle back to the starting position and repeat on the other side.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps10lbs28reps10lbs38reps10lbs9. Dumbbell Front Raise
Dumbbell Front Raise demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED5,823,163Shoulders Strength98 mScoreShoulders
DumbbellsThe 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
- Stand upright holding a dumbbell in each hand at waist height, palms facing inward.
- Keep your arms slightly bent and lift the dumbbells in front of you to just above shoulder height.
- Lower the dumbbells back to waist height, maintaining a neutral back.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps10lbs28reps10lbs38reps10lbs10. Dumbbell Shoulder Press
Dumbbell Shoulder Press demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED6,772,064Shoulders Strength99 mScoreShoulders
Dumbbells
Flat BenchThe 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
- Sit on a bench with your back straight.
- Hold a dumbbell in each hand, just outside shoulder-width, palms facing forward.
- Bend your elbows and keep them close to your sides.
- Press the dumbbells overhead until your arms are fully extended, keeping your wrists straight.
- Lower the dumbbells back to the starting position.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps15lbs28reps15lbs38reps15lbs11. Dumbbell Shoulder Raise
Dumbbell Shoulder Raise demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED3,935,648Shoulders Strength98 mScoreShoulders
DumbbellsThe 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
- Stand upright with your feet shoulder-width apart.
- Hold a dumbbell in each hand with your palms facing in at your hips.
- Tighten your core by breathing deeply and engaging your abs.
- With a slight bend in your elbows, raise the dumbbells to the sides until they reach shoulder height.
- Lower the dumbbells back to the starting position in a controlled manner.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps10lbs28reps10lbs38reps10lbs12. Cable Face Pull
Cable Face Pull demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED2,132,611Shoulders Strength96 mScoreShoulders
Hi-Lo Pulley CableThe 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
- Set the pulley to chin height and attach a rope.
- Stand with one foot slightly in front of the other and grip the rope with both hands.
- Step back until the cable is taut, with your arms extended.
- 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.
- When the rope is in front of your chin, return to the starting position.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps25lbs28reps25lbs38reps25lbs13. Seated Barbell Shoulder Press
Seated Barbell Shoulder Press demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED825,746Shoulders Strength95 mScoreShoulders
Barbells
Incline BenchThe 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
- Sit upright on a bench with your feet flat on the ground.
- Hold the barbell with both hands outside shoulder width above your head.
- Lower the barbell to your upper chest by bending your elbows.
- Push the barbell back up to the starting position.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps30lbs28reps30lbs38reps30lbs14. Push Press
Push Press demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED981,212Shoulders Strength88 mScoreShoulders
BarbellsThe 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
- Set the barbell just below your shoulders and grip it with both hands.
- Position the barbell on your shoulders and step back with feet shoulder-width apart, slightly turned out.
- Bend your knees slightly ('dip') and then push upward with your legs and arms to lift the barbell overhead.
- Ensure the barbell is aligned with your ears before lowering it back to the starting position.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps30lbs28reps30lbs38reps30lbs15. Turkish Get Up
Turkish Get Up demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED93,905Shoulders Strength73 mScoreShoulders
KettlebellsThe 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
- Lie on your back with your left leg straight and your right knee bent, foot flat on the ground.
- Extend your right arm straight up over your shoulder and place your left arm flat on the ground at a 45-degree angle.
- Roll onto your left elbow, then your hand, and sit up while keeping your right arm above you.
- Lift your hips and swing your left leg underneath, moving to a tall kneeling position.
- Stand up straight, then reverse the steps to return to the starting position.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps17.5lbs28reps17.5lbs38reps17.5lbs
Alternative Workouts
Alternative Workouts for Women
- Best Glutes Workouts For Women
- Best Workouts With Bosu Balance Trainer For Women
- Best Workouts With Ez Bar For Women
- Best Advanced Workouts For Women
- Best Arms Workouts For Women
- Best Hamstrings Workouts For Women
- Best Pull Day Workouts For Women
- Best Workouts To Get Lean And Burn Fat For Women
- Best Legs Workouts For Women
- Best Lower Back Workouts For Women
- Best Workouts With Dumbbells For Women
- Best Beginner Workouts For Women
- Best Workouts With Barbells For Women
- Best Workouts With Medicine Balls For Women
- Best Workouts With Pvc Pipe For Women
- Best Workouts With Pull Up Bar For Women
- Best Triceps Workouts For Women
- Best Forearms Workouts For Women
- Best Workouts With Bodyweight For Women
- Best Chest Workouts For Women
- Best Chest And Tricep Workouts For Women
- Best Workouts To Build Muscle Mass For Women
- Best Workouts With Stability Swiss Ball For Women
- Best Workouts With Kettlebells For Women
- Best Workouts With Landmine For Women
- Best Shoulders Workouts For Women
- Best Back Workouts For Women
- Best Chest And Back Workouts For Women
- Best Workouts With Flat Bench For Women
- Best Workouts With Garage Gym For Women
- Best Trapezius Workouts For Women
- Best Workouts With Cable Machines For Women
- Best Workouts To Build Strength For Women
- Best Workouts To Power Lift For Women
- Best Full Body Workouts For Women
- Best Biceps Workouts For Women
- Best Quadriceps Workouts For Women
- Best Abductors Workouts For Women
- Best Workouts With Trx For Women
- Best Workouts With Resistance Bands For Women
- Best Adductors Workouts For Women
- Best Calves Workouts For Women
- Best Workouts With Smith Machine For Women
- Best Push Day Workouts For Women
- Best Core Workouts For Women
- Best Workouts To Olympic Lift For Women
- Best Workouts With Weight Machines For Women
- Best Abs Workouts For Women
- Best Upper Body Workouts For Women
Alternative Bicep and Shoulders Workouts
- Best Bicep And Shoulders Workouts With Kettlebells
- Best Bicep And Shoulders Workouts With Resistance Bands
- Best Bicep And Shoulders Workouts To Build Strength
- Best Bicep And Shoulders Workouts To Build Muscle Mass
- Best Bicep And Shoulders Workouts With Trx
- Best Bicep And Shoulders Workouts For Men
- Best Bicep And Shoulders Workouts With Dumbbells
- Best Beginner Bicep And Shoulders Workouts
- Best Bicep And Shoulders Workouts To Get Lean And Burn Fat
- Best Bicep And Shoulders Workouts With Cable Machines
- Best Advanced Bicep And Shoulders Workouts
- Best Bicep And Shoulders Workouts With Garage Gym
- Best Bicep And Shoulders Workouts With Barbells
- Best Bicep And Shoulders Workouts With Ez Bar
- Best Bicep And Shoulders Workouts With Weight Machines
Alternative Bicep and Shoulders Workouts for Women
- Best Bicep And Shoulders Workouts To Build Strength For Women
- Best Bicep And Shoulders Workouts To Get Lean And Burn Fat For Women
- Best Bicep And Shoulders Workouts With Ez Bar For Women
- Best Bicep And Shoulders Workouts With Garage Gym For Women
- Best Bicep And Shoulders Workouts With Barbells For Women
- Best Bicep And Shoulders Workouts With Kettlebells For Women
- Best Beginner Bicep And Shoulders Workouts For Women
- Best Bicep And Shoulders Workouts With Dumbbells For Women
- Best Bicep And Shoulders Workouts With Cable Machines For Women
- Best Bicep And Shoulders Workouts With Trx For Women
- Best Advanced Bicep And Shoulders Workouts For Women
- Best Bicep And Shoulders Workouts With Weight Machines For Women
- Best Bicep And Shoulders Workouts With Resistance Bands For Women
- Best Bicep And Shoulders Workouts To Build Muscle Mass For Women