Dumbbell

Arnold Press

Body Part:

Shoulders

Equipment:

Dumbbell

Primary Muscles:

Deltoid Anterior

Synergistic Muscles:

Deltoid Lateral + 2
Dumbbell Hammer Curl

Body Part:

Arms

Equipment:

Dumbbell

Primary Muscles:

Brachioradialis

Synergistic Muscles:

Biceps Brachii + 1
Dumbbell Lateral Raise

Body Part:

Shoulders

Equipment:

Dumbbell

Primary Muscles:

Deltoid Lateral

Synergistic Muscles:

Deltoid Anterior + 1
Dumbbell Bench Press

Body Part:

Chest

Equipment:

Dumbbell

Primary Muscles:

Pectoralis Major Clavicular Head + 1

Synergistic Muscles:

Deltoid Anterior + 1
Dumbbell Front Raise

Body Part:

Shoulders

Equipment:

Dumbbell

Primary Muscles:

Deltoid Anterior

Synergistic Muscles:

Deltoid Lateral + 2
Dumbbell Chest Fly

Body Part:

Chest

Equipment:

Dumbbell

Primary Muscles:

Pectoralis Major Clavicular Head + 1

Synergistic Muscles:

Biceps Brachii + 1
Incline Dumbbell Bench Press

Body Part:

Chest

Equipment:

Dumbbell

Primary Muscles:

Pectoralis Major Clavicular Head

Synergistic Muscles:

Deltoid Anterior + 1
Dumbbell Preacher Curl

Body Part:

Arms

Equipment:

Dumbbell

Primary Muscles:

Brachialis

Synergistic Muscles:

Biceps Brachii + 1
Dumbbell Bent Over Fly

Body Part:

Back

Equipment:

Dumbbell

Primary Muscles:

Infraspinatus + 5

Synergistic Muscles:

Brachialis + 3
Dumbbell Lunge

Body Part:

Legs

Equipment:

Dumbbell

Primary Muscles:

Gluteus Maximus + 1

Synergistic Muscles:

Adductor Magnus + 1
Lying Dumbbell Triceps Extension

Body Part:

Arms

Equipment:

Dumbbell

Primary Muscles:

Triceps Brachii

Synergistic Muscles:

Not added yet
Dumbbell Shrug

Body Part:

Back

Equipment:

Dumbbell

Primary Muscles:

Trapezius Upper Fibers

Synergistic Muscles:

Trapezius Middle Fibers
Dumbbell Pullover

Body Part:

Chest

Equipment:

Dumbbell

Primary Muscles:

Pectoralis Major Sternal Head

Synergistic Muscles:

Deltoid Posterior + 4
Dumbbell Overhead Press

Body Part:

Shoulders

Equipment:

Dumbbell

Primary Muscles:

Deltoid Anterior

Synergistic Muscles:

Deltoid Lateral + 3
Dumbbell Triceps Overhead

Body Part:

Arms

Equipment:

Dumbbell

Primary Muscles:

Triceps Brachii

Synergistic Muscles:

Not added yet
Dumbbell Skull Crusher

Body Part:

Arms

Equipment:

Dumbbell

Primary Muscles:

Triceps Brachii

Synergistic Muscles:

Deltoid Anterior + 2
Dumbbell Bent Over Row

Body Part:

Back

Equipment:

Dumbbell

Primary Muscles:

Infraspinatus + 5

Synergistic Muscles:

Brachialis + 3
Dumbbell Bent Over Row One Arm

Body Part:

Back

Equipment:

Dumbbell

Primary Muscles:

Infraspinatus + 5

Synergistic Muscles:

Brachialis + 3
Dumbbell Tricep Extension One Arm

Body Part:

Arms

Equipment:

Dumbbell

Primary Muscles:

Triceps Brachii

Synergistic Muscles:

Not added yet
Dumbbell Biceps Curl

Body Part:

Arms

Equipment:

Dumbbell

Primary Muscles:

Biceps Brachii

Synergistic Muscles:

Brachialis + 1
Dumbbell Floor Press

Body Part:

Chest

Equipment:

Dumbbell

Primary Muscles:

Pectoralis Major Clavicular Head + 1

Synergistic Muscles:

Deltoid Anterior + 1
Floor Dumbbell Fly

Body Part:

Arms

Equipment:

Dumbbell

Primary Muscles:

Pectoralis Major Clavicular Head + 1

Synergistic Muscles:

Biceps Brachii + 1
Dumbbell Wrist Extension

Body Part:

Arms

Equipment:

Dumbbell

Primary Muscles:

Wrist Extensors

Synergistic Muscles:

Not added yet
Dumbbell Wrist Extension Neutral Grip

Body Part:

Arms

Equipment:

Dumbbell

Primary Muscles:

Brachioradialis

Synergistic Muscles:

Not added yet
Dumbbell Biceps Curl Reverse Grip

Body Part:

Arms

Equipment:

Dumbbell

Primary Muscles:

Brachioradialis

Synergistic Muscles:

Biceps Brachii + 1
Dumbbell Shoulder Press

Body Part:

Shoulders

Equipment:

Dumbbell

Primary Muscles:

Deltoid Anterior

Synergistic Muscles:

Deltoid Lateral + 3
Seated Dumbbell Zottman Curl

Body Part:

Arms

Equipment:

Dumbbell

Primary Muscles:

Biceps Brachii

Synergistic Muscles:

Brachialis + 2
Dumbbell Bulgarian Split Squat

Body Part:

Legs

Equipment:

Dumbbell

Primary Muscles:

Gluteus Maximus + 1

Synergistic Muscles:

Adductor Magnus + 1

Published April 13, 2025 — Last updated April 18, 2025

Dumbbells are one of the most versatile tools in strength training. From full-body workouts to focused accessory work, they offer balance, control, and the freedom to move naturally — one side at a time.

Why Train with Dumbbells?

Whether you’re a beginner or experienced lifter, dumbbells bring plenty to the table:

  • Unilateral Training: Train one side at a time to fix imbalances.
  • Stability & Control: Engage more stabilizer muscles than machines or barbells.
  • Joint-Friendly: Natural wrist and arm movement reduces strain.
  • Versatile: Use them for strength, hypertrophy, conditioning — anywhere.

Dumbbells vs Other Equipment

Each tool has its strengths. Here's how dumbbells compare:

  • Barbells: Great for max strength, but more fixed and harder to balance.
  • Cables: Offer constant tension, but limited by machine setup.
  • Kettlebells: Ideal for power and flow-based movements, but less precise.
  • Machines: Provide stability, but limit range and freedom.

Dumbbells strike a great balance between freedom and challenge.

Getting Started Safely

Dumbbells are simple to use, but good habits matter:

  • Start with light to moderate weights to learn the movement.
  • Keep a neutral wrist to avoid strain.
  • Use controlled tempo — no swinging or rushing.
  • Focus on form symmetry — match reps and effort between sides.

Programming Dumbbell Workouts

Dumbbells fit into any style of training. Try mixing formats:

  • Strength: Goblet squats, dumbbell bench press, rows.
  • Stability & Core: Single-arm overhead press, renegade rows, lunges.
  • Conditioning: Dumbbell thrusters, snatches, and farmer’s carries.

Great for home workouts or filling gaps in a full gym setup.

Two hands, endless possibilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not better — just different. Dumbbells are great for balance, stability, and versatility, while barbells allow for heavier loads.

Start with a weight you can control for 10–12 reps. Focus on form before going heavier.

Yes — especially for beginners to intermediates. With proper progression, dumbbells can build serious strength and muscle.