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The 13 Best Dumbbell Workouts That Will Get You Lean, Toned and Strong

James Lesborn
  Apr 24, 2024 12:54 AM

Did you know that just 15 minutes of strength training 3 times a week can increase your metabolism for up to 48 hours after your workout? Yep, if you want to blast fat and boost your metabolism, look no further than the humble dumbbell. Adding dumbbell workouts to your routine is great for increasing strength and building lean muscle mass — they’re an ideal way to build strength while also working on balance and coordination. Because they require more concentration than barbells or resistance machines, dumbbells force you to concentrate on each movement with greater intensity. And since you have to balance them in each hand, they offer a greater level of difficulty than using a barbell. Even though it’s a smaller piece of equipment, the benefits are vast! With these 13 best dumbbell workouts you will be able to see results faster than ever before! Let’s get started!


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Cardio and Conditioning With Dumbbells

In order to begin to see results from your dumbbell workouts, you first need to condition your muscles. And the best way to do that is with a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) routine. This type of cardio will help you to burn more calories during your workouts, and for hours after you’ve left the gym. Combining dumbbells with a HIIT routine is an incredibly efficient way to burn lots of fat and improve your general fitness. A HIIT routine is one of the best ways to slim down while also building muscle and improving your cardiovascular health. You can use a variety of dumbbell exercises to get the job done, and you’ll finish your workout feeling energized and ready to take on the rest of your day. You can use a variety of rep schemes when you work out with dumbbells, including a pyramid method that increases your rep count with each set.

 

Strength Training with Dumbbells

As we’ve already established, strength training with dumbbells is one of the best ways to get started with strength training. Working with a lighter weight in each hand will help you to improve your form and technique, which will ultimately improve your overall strength. You need to find the right weight for your workout. Once you’ve determined what that is, you’ll work different muscle groups depending on the type of movement you’re doing. For example, a shoulder press targets your shoulder muscles, while a bicep curl focuses on your biceps. There are tons of different exercises you can do with a pair of dumbbells. Try out the following moves to get started on your strength-training journey.

- Bench Press - This is a compound exercise that targets your chest, shoulders, and triceps. Start by placing the dumbbells beneath your thighs, and then push them up above your head.

- Bent-Over Row - This targets your back and biceps. Bend over at the waist, keeping your back straight, and hold the dumbbells at arm’s length with your palms facing inward.

- Squats - Squats are one of the best exercises you can do for your lower body. Start by holding the dumbbells at your sides, and stand with your feet about shoulder-width apart.

- Push-Ups - One of the best upper body exercises you can do, the push-up targets your shoulders, arms, and core. Start by placing your hands beneath your shoulders, and then bend your knees if necessary.

- Triceps Extension - Use this exercise to target your triceps, which are located at the back of your upper arm. Start by bending your knees and placing the backs of your hands on the floor.

 

Toning and Slimming Moves With Dumbbells

You can use a variety of dumbbell exercises to help you slim down, including the following. Try to do one or two of these moves at the end of every other strength-training workout to boost your metabolism and help you to slim down.

- Squat - Try holding 5- or 10-pound dumbbells in each hand while you do this. You can do this facing a wall, or try a wide squat variation.

- Squat with Rotation - Hold a dumbbell in each hand and stand with your feet shoulder-width apart.

- Step-Up - Stand with one leg on a bench and the other in the air. Hold the dumbbells at your sides for added resistance.

- Lunge - This is a great exercise for your legs and core. Take a big step forward with one leg, drop your back knee to the floor, and hold a dumbbell in each hand.

- Push-Up and Crunch - This is a hybrid exercise that works your entire core.

 

Pull-Only Moves With Dumbbells

Pull-only exercises are a great way to target specific muscles and are an excellent way to round out your dumbbell workouts. Try adding these to the end of each other strength-training session to get the most out of your routine.

- Underhand Row - This works your lats, and it’s a great way to target your upper back.

- Seated Row - This works your biceps and rhomboids.

- Seated Row with Leg Lift - This variation works your lower back.

- Lateral Raise - This is a great move for your side deltoids.

- Front Raise - This is another great move for your deltoids.

- Bent-Over Rear Delt Raise - This is a great exercise for your back.

 

Conclusion

There are many advantages of dumbbell workouts. You can do them anywhere and they don’t require any special equipment or a gym membership! Dumbbells are versatile and can be used for a variety of exercises. They also offer a high level of intensity and help to build muscle and increase your metabolism. They are especially useful for toning and slimming down, or building strength and muscle. These dumbbell workouts will help you to see results faster than ever before!


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