Dumbbell Workouts
“Dumbbell Workouts” exercises that isolate the joints, such biceps curls, chest flyes, and shoulder rises, are frequently performed with dumbbells.
But performing full-body, multiplanar exercises with dumbbells can yield a range of distinct strength results. It also has numerous advantages for flexibility and cardiorespiratory fitness.
The 30-Minute Dumbbell Workout to Build Your Chest
A half hour and a few sets of dumbbells are all you need to tone your pecs.
Exercises with dumbbells provide numerous logistical solutions. Dumbbells eliminate the need for spotters, waiting on machines, and finding a location for suspension trainer installation.
If you have enough space for a parking spot and a bench, you can work out without even having a gym membership. Once somewhat uncommon fifteen years ago, adjustable dumbbells are now widely available and reasonably priced, doing away with the necessity for an expensive, room-consuming home ironing board.
The best part is that dumbbells can be used for almost any lift. Therefore, while dumbbells are typically a sufficient replacement for certain lifts—and preferred for others—kettlebells or barbells may be great for other lifts.
Additionally, if your property is devoid of an adjustable bench, consider raising one end of the bench onto a solid surface like bricks or cinderblocks.
You can now work out your chest almost anyplace, in your backyard, in a garage, or in the gym at your hotel.
How It Works
This 30-minute circuit-style dumbbell workout is meant to tone your chest. These seven moves will be hammered through four circuits in total. You should just take a minute or so of rest in between circuits to get the best benefits in the shortest amount of time.
Author or co-author of several books on training and performance, Pete Williams is a NASM-certified personal trainer.
Dumbbell Bench Press
WHY IT WORKS
The same chest advantages of a standard barbell bench press are also provided by this dumbbell bench version, which stabilizes your shoulders.
HOW TO DO IT
Dumbbells should be held at the outer corners of your shoulders while you are faceup on the bench. Dumbbells should be pressed straight up over the chest. At the top, pause for a moment. Touch the outside of your shoulders with the dumbbells as you lower them together. That amounts to one rep.
PRESCRIPTION
10 reps
One-Arm, One-Leg Dumbbell Row
WHY IT WORKS
Although it works the entire body, the lats and chest are the main areas of difficulty, and the hamstrings are also stretched. This activity will also reveal to you whether you need to improve your balance.
HOW TO DO IT
Grip a steady surface in front of you with one hand—perhaps the dumbbell rack or bench—while standing on one leg. Lower your torso and raise the leg across from your free hand to flex. With your free hand, pick up a dumbbell. After pulling it to the side of your waist, drop it. Repeat ten times, then swap sides.
PRESCRIPTION
10 repetitions on each side
Dumbbell Chest Flyes
WHY IT WORKS
There aren’t many exercises that hit the shoulders, biceps, and pecs so well.
HOW TO DO IT
With your elbows slightly bent and your hands facing each other, hold a pair of dumbbells over your chest while lying faceup on a flat bench. Dumbbells should be lowered to the sides until you feel a stretch in your chest while maintaining nearly straight arms. Your palms should be toward the ceiling when you reach the bottom of the exercise. Turn the movement around till you get back to the beginning; some people compare it to “hugging a barrel.”
PRODUCTION
10 repetitions
One-Arm Dumbbell Hang Snatch
WHY IT WORKS
This is a full-body workout where your hips provide the majority of the force. But the unsung hero of this technique is your chest, which stabilizes you during the “catch” phase. Expert advice: Practice this exercise with a modest weight until you feel confident in your form.
HOW TO DO IT
Maintain a shoulder-width distance between your feet and hold a dumbbell straight in front of you. Lower the weight between your knees by pushing your hips back and down while maintaining a flat back and an erect chest. Dumbbell raised straight up and your hips instantly extended as you exploded in one motion. Once the weight reaches its highest point, lower your body and catch it overhead. Reposition it to the beginning position.
PRODUCTION
10 repetitions
One-Arm Offset Dumbbell Bench Press
WHY IT WORKS
Similar to a traditional dumbbell press, this strengthens your chest while putting more of an emphasis on shoulder stability.
WAYS TO ACHIEVE IT
While you lie there, place your left glute and shoulder blade on the bench and your right glute and shoulder blade off of it. As an alternative, position yourself such that just your upper back is supported by the bench, as demonstrated below.) With your left hand over your head, hang onto the bench while you grasp a dumbbell in your right hand. When your elbow aligns with your shoulder, reduce the weight. Go back to where you were before. After ten repetitions, switch sides.
PRODUCTION
10 repetitions per side
Bridged Floor Press
WHY IT WORKS
You can work your pecs and engage your hamstrings and glutes at the same time by assuming a bridging position. Floor presses target your pecs even more because they decrease your ability to hip-drive the weight upward.
HOW TO DO IT
With your feet flat on the ground and your knees bent, lie on your back on the floor or a mat. Place dumbbells over your chest with your hands facing each other. Form a line from your knee to your shoulder by contracting your glutes and pressing the balls of your feet into the ground. Bring the weights back together by lowering them and bringing your hips together, stopping at the bottom, and then bridging back up.
PRODUCTION
10 repetitions
Conclusion
Incorporating dumbbell exercises into your workout routine offers versatility and convenience, allowing you to strengthen your chest effectively with just a few sets of dumbbells. These seven exercises target various muscle groups, providing a comprehensive chest workout in just 30 minutes.