Summer is around the corner, which means many of us are dusting off the dumbbells that have been collecting dust in the corner and adding strength training back to our routine.
But if it’s been awhile, picking up those dumbbells can be a bit daunting. After all, there’s no shortage of weighted exercises to do, so knowing where to start is overwhelming.
The good news is that whether you’re a beginner, have lofty strength goals or are in a time crunch, dumbbells can be the answer to an effective workout. Regardless of your fitness level or location, you can easily pick up a pair of dumbbells and get a good sweat in!Â
These 15 dumbbell exercises are great staple moves to get you started. You can string 5-7 together for a well-rounded, full-body workout. The moves will target your entire arm (including your biceps, triceps and shoulders), your core and your legs. I recommend starting with light weights (think: 2 or 3 pounds), and working to increase your repetitions to 15 before increasing the weight.
V-lift
Hold the weights down by the thighs; keeping them vertical. Bring the arms up on a diagonal and out as wide and as high as the shoulders. Lower the weights down. Repeat 10 times.
Marching in place with bicep curl
This move combines a simple march in place with a bicep curl. Begin marching in place, making sure to bring your knee up so that your thigh is parallel with the ground. Once you establish a pace, begin to incorporate the bicep curl. When your right knee is in the air, perform a bicep curl with your left arm. Continue to alternate, keeping a comfortable pace. Perform 10 bicep curls with each arm.
Curtsy lunge with dumbbell
Standing with your feet shoulder-width apart, hold the dumbbells in front of your chest. Step your right leg behind you and to the left, crossing it behind your left leg, while lowering into a lunging position (as you would to perform a curtsy). Return that leg to a standing position before lunging with the left leg by crossing your left…
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