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Best Pull Day Workouts With Dumbbells To Get Lean And Burn Fat

About

Dumbbells, as versatile pieces of equipment, enable isolated and balanced movements by engaging each hand independently.

By utilizing these, you engage stabilizing muscles effectively and can diversify exercises to enhance core involvement.

To achieve a lean and fat-burning result, workouts are structured to maintain an elevated heart rate through continuous movement and resistance training, capitalizing on lower weight and higher repetition sets.

Pull-oriented exercises encompass motions like rows and pull-ups, focusing significantly on back and biceps development.

This dynamic combination ensures an effective regimen fitting into a structured PPL plan while supporting muscle retention and caloric expenditure goals.

The 15 Best Pull Day Exercises with Dumbbells to Get Lean and Burn Fat

Ranked By

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 LOGGED
    4,165,923
    Back Strength
    97 mScore
    Back
    Photo of Dumbbells
    Dumbbells

    The 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

    1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, holding dumbbells beside your hips.
    2. Bend your knees slightly and push your hips back, leaning your torso forward at a 45-degree angle.
    3. Keep your arms extended with dumbbells under your shoulders.
    4. Pull the dumbbells toward your sides, squeezing your shoulder blades together at the top.
    5. Lower the dumbbells back to the starting position and repeat.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    30lbs
    2
    8reps
    30lbs
    3
    8reps
    30lbs
  • 2. Dumbbell Row

    Dumbbell Row demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    8,648,581
    Back Strength
    99 mScore
    Back
    Photo of Dumbbells
    Dumbbells
    Photo of Flat Bench
    Flat Bench

    The 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

    1. Place a dumbbell on each side of a flat bench.
    2. Kneel on the bench with your right knee and place your right hand on the bench's edge.
    3. Keep your torso parallel to the ground and grab the dumbbell with your left hand, palm facing your torso.
    4. Pull the dumbbell up to your side, engaging your back; exhale as you lift.
    5. Pause briefly at the top, then lower the dumbbell back to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    35lbs
    2
    8reps
    35lbs
    3
    8reps
    35lbs
  • 3. Biceps Curl To Shoulder Press

    Biceps Curl To Shoulder Press demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    1,311,095
    Biceps Strength
    81 mScore
    Biceps
    Photo of Dumbbells
    Dumbbells

    The Biceps Curl to Shoulder Press is an effective exercise that strengthens your biceps, shoulders, and triceps. It helps improve upper body strength and muscle endurance by working multiple muscle groups at once.

    How to do it

    1. Stand tall with your feet shoulder-width apart, holding dumbbells at your sides.
    2. With palms facing forward, bend your elbows to lift the dumbbells to shoulder height.
    3. Rotate your shoulders and keep elbows close to your sides while palms remain forward.
    4. Press the dumbbells overhead until your arms are fully extended.
    5. Lower the dumbbells back to shoulder height, then return to your starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    22.5lbs
    2
    8reps
    22.5lbs
    3
    8reps
    22.5lbs
  • 4. Concentration Curl

    Concentration Curl demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    2,854,084
    Biceps Strength
    72 mScore
    Biceps
    Photo of Dumbbells
    Dumbbells

    The Concentration Curl is a simple exercise that strengthens the biceps by focusing solely on them. You sit down, brace your arm against your thigh, and lift a dumbbell to really engage the bicep without using other muscles.

    How to do it

    1. Sit at the edge of a bench with your knees bent and feet on the floor, shoulder-width apart.
    2. Extend your right arm between your legs and rest your elbow against your right thigh, holding a dumbbell with an outward-facing palm.
    3. Keep your elbow against your thigh as you lift the dumbbell to shoulder height, then lower it back to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    25lbs
    2
    8reps
    25lbs
    3
    8reps
    25lbs
  • 5. 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
    25lbs
    2
    8reps
    25lbs
    3
    8reps
    25lbs
  • 6. 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
    25lbs
    2
    8reps
    25lbs
    3
    8reps
    25lbs
  • 7. 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
    17.5lbs
    2
    8reps
    17.5lbs
    3
    8reps
    17.5lbs
  • 8. Dumbbell Drag Curl

    Dumbbell Drag Curl demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    360,412
    Biceps Strength
    91 mScore
    Biceps
    Photo of Dumbbells
    Dumbbells

    The 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

    1. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart and knees slightly bent.
    2. Hold a dumbbell in each hand with palms facing up, positioned at your hips.
    3. Lift the dumbbells straight up along your body, keeping your elbows back as you go.
    4. Pause briefly at the top when your biceps are fully contracted.
    5. Lower the dumbbells back to the starting position slowly, keeping your biceps engaged.
    6. Keep your shoulders back and chest lifted during the exercise.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    17.5lbs
    2
    8reps
    17.5lbs
    3
    8reps
    17.5lbs
  • 9. Dumbbell Wide Curls

    Dumbbell Wide Curls demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    799,835
    Biceps Strength
    70 mScore
    Biceps
    Photo of Dumbbells
    Dumbbells

    Dumbbell 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

    1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and knees slightly bent.
    2. Hold a dumbbell in each hand with your arms flared out to the sides.
    3. Curl the dumbbells up while keeping them wider than shoulder-width at the top.
    4. Pause briefly at the top, feeling the contraction in your biceps.
    5. Lower the dumbbells back down slowly, keeping tension on your biceps.
    6. Keep your elbows close to your sides and maintain good posture throughout.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    17.5lbs
    2
    8reps
    17.5lbs
    3
    8reps
    17.5lbs
  • 10. 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
    17.5lbs
    2
    8reps
    17.5lbs
    3
    8reps
    17.5lbs
  • 11. Dumbbell Standing Hammer Curl To Front Press

    Dumbbell Standing Hammer Curl To Front Press demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    151,445
    Biceps Strength
    70 mScore
    Biceps
    Photo of Dumbbells
    Dumbbells

    The 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

    1. Hold a dumbbell in each hand with your arms at your sides and palms facing in.
    2. Stand with your feet hip-width apart and knees slightly bent.
    3. Engage your core and keep your back straight.
    4. Curl the dumbbells up towards your chest, stopping just in front of your shoulders.
    5. Press the dumbbells overhead, fully extending your arms.
    6. Lower the dumbbells back to the starting position, keeping tension in your biceps and shoulders.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    22.5lbs
    2
    8reps
    22.5lbs
    3
    8reps
    22.5lbs
  • 12. Dumbbell Bent Over Reverse Fly

    Dumbbell Bent Over Reverse Fly demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    358,110
    Back Strength
    84 mScore
    Back
    Photo of Dumbbells
    Dumbbells

    The 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

    1. Grab a dumbbell in each hand, letting them hang by your sides.
    2. Stand with your feet hip-width apart and slightly bend your knees.
    3. Bend forward at your hips until your back is at a 45-degree angle, keeping the dumbbells between your torso and the floor.
    4. Engage your core and maintain a straight back while looking ahead.
    5. Lift the dumbbells out to the sides until your arms are parallel to the ground, palms facing down.
    6. Squeeze your shoulder blades together as you hold this position for a moment.
    7. Slowly lower the dumbbells back to the starting position, keeping tension in your back.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    17.5lbs
    2
    8reps
    17.5lbs
    3
    8reps
    17.5lbs
  • 13. Zottman Curl

    Zottman Curl demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    798,940
    Biceps Strength
    76 mScore
    Biceps
    Photo of Dumbbells
    Dumbbells

    The Zottman Curl is a beginner-friendly exercise that works your biceps, forearms, and grip strength. It involves lifting dumbbells with a standard grip and then rotating to a reverse grip, giving your arms a solid workout.

    How to do it

    1. Stand upright and hold a dumbbell in each hand with palms facing forward.
    2. Engage your core and lift the dumbbells by bending your elbows, keeping them close to your sides.
    3. Raise the dumbbells to shoulder height, then rotate your palms to face away from your body.
    4. Lower the dumbbells back down to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    15lbs
    2
    8reps
    15lbs
    3
    8reps
    15lbs
  • 14. Waiter Curls

    Waiter Curls demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    655,522
    Biceps Strength
    81 mScore
    Biceps
    Photo of Dumbbells
    Dumbbells

    Waiter 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

    1. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart and knees slightly bent.
    2. Hold one end of a dumbbell with both hands, palms facing up.
    3. Bend your elbows to lift the dumbbell towards your chest, keeping your elbows tight to your sides.
    4. Pause for a moment at the top of the curl, squeezing your biceps.
    5. Slowly lower the dumbbell back to the starting position while keeping tension in your biceps.
    6. Keep your core tight, shoulders back, and chest up throughout the movement.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    17.5lbs
    2
    8reps
    17.5lbs
    3
    8reps
    17.5lbs
  • 15. Reverse Dumbbell Curl

    Reverse Dumbbell Curl demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    500,249
    Biceps Strength
    75 mScore
    Biceps
    Photo of Dumbbells
    Dumbbells

    The Reverse Dumbbell Curl strengthens your forearms and biceps while improving grip strength. It uses a reverse grip to effectively target your forearm muscles for better arm stability and strength.

    How to do it

    1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and knees slightly bent.
    2. Hold a dumbbell in each hand with palms facing you.
    3. Curl the dumbbells up towards your shoulders, keeping your elbows close to your sides.
    4. Pause briefly at the top of the curl.
    5. Lower the dumbbells back to the starting position slowly while keeping tension in your biceps.
    6. Keep your shoulders back and wrists straight throughout the exercise.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    15lbs
    2
    8reps
    15lbs
    3
    8reps
    15lbs

Alternative Workouts

Alternative Workouts with Dumbbells to Get Lean and Burn Fat

Alternative Pull Day Workouts with Dumbbells

Alternative Pull Day Workouts to Get Lean and Burn Fat