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Beginner Gym Upper Body: Strength & Tone

35 min
 · 
6 exercises

Beginner gym upper body workout — full gym, no fluff. Track every resistance amount you use today and build on it each session to progressively boost muscle gains. Exercise guides included if you need them. Teens welcome!

Seated Chest Press exercise illustration
Seated Chest Press
2 sets
10 reps
60 sec rest
Warm-Up: Use two sets to warm up here, aiming for a nice and healthy chest stretch with each rep. Stick with light weight!
1:00 rest
Seated Chest Press exercise illustration
Seated Chest Press
3 sets
10-12 reps
2 min rest
Resistance Work: Aim for maximum chest extension here. Your goal is to safely reach a healthy burn at 10-12 reps. LOG THE RESISTANCE AMOUNT USED. You will need this number in the future.
1:00 rest
Wide-Grip Lat Pulldowns exercise illustration
Wide-Grip Lat Pulldowns
3 sets
10-12 reps
2 sec rest
Resistance Work: Aim for maximum chest extension here. Your goal is to safely reach a healthy burn at 10-12 reps. LOG THE RESISTANCE AMOUNT USED. You will need this number in the future.
1:00 rest
Tricep Cable Rope Push Downs exercise illustration
Tricep Cable Rope Push Downs
3 sets
12 reps
60 sec rest
Resistance Work: Complete 12 reps and then take a short rest!
1:00 rest
Standing Dumbbell Bicep Hammer Curls exercise illustration
Standing Dumbbell Bicep Hammer Curls
3 sets
12 reps
60 sec rest
Resistance Work: Complete 12 reps and then take a short rest!
1:00 rest
Machine Seated Shoulder Press exercise illustration
Machine Seated Shoulder Press
3 sets
10-12 reps
2 min rest
Resistance Work: Aim for maximum chest extension here. Your goal is to safely reach a healthy burn at 10-12 reps. LOG THE RESISTANCE AMOUNT USED. You will need this number in the future.

About this workout

Beginner Gym Upper Body: Strength & Tone is a free 35 min workout plan with 6 illustrated exercises for your arms, back, chest and shoulders. Follow the workout online, save it to your WorkoutLabs Fit account or download it as a printable PDF.

Tap any exercise in the workout to see the muscles worked, clear exercise illustrations and step-by-step instructions. Each workout includes sets, reps, rest times and notes so you can follow the plan without guessing.

Workout details

  • Duration: 35 min
  • Exercises: 6
  • Training focus: Arms, back, chest and shoulders
  • Equipment: Full gym
  • Level: Beginner
  • Format: Interactive workout and printable PDF

For more ready-made training plans, try WorkoutLabs Fit. You can follow visual workouts, build your own routines, manage your training calendar and track your progress. Sign up today to claim your free week.

Questions about this workout

What equipment do I need for this workout?

You'll need full gym for this workout. Tap any exercise to see form instructions and possible substitutions if a piece of equipment isn't available.

How long does the Beginner Gym Upper Body: Strength & Tone take?

The full workout takes about 35 minutes, covering 6 exercises with prescribed sets, reps and rest periods. Using the built-in timers and auto-advance keeps you on pace from start to finish.

Is this workout suitable for my fitness level?

Yes – this is a beginner-friendly workout. Every exercise includes an illustration and step-by-step instructions, so you can learn proper form as you go. Start with lighter weights and focus on technique.

What muscles does this workout target?

This routine primarily works your chest, lower back, middle back / lats, triceps, biceps, shoulders. Tap any exercise in the workout to see a muscle diagram showing exactly which primary and secondary muscles it activates.

How often should I do this workout?

For gain muscle, get toned, aim to do this workout 2–3 times per week with at least one rest day between sessions. Progress by gradually adding weight or reps, and pair it with workouts for other muscle groups during the week.

Can I download or save this workout?

Yes – you can download this workout as a free printable PDF using the download button, or save it to a free WorkoutLabs Fit account to follow it on your phone, customize the exercises and track your progress.

Beginner Gym Upper Body: Strength & Tone
35 min
 · 
6 exercises
Beginner gym upper body workout — full gym, no fluff. Track every resistance amount you use today and build on it each session to progressively boost muscle gains. Exercise guides included if you need them. Teens welcome!
Auto-advance Start exercises automatically
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Start workout Cancel workout
Seated Chest Press
Seated Chest Press exercise illustration
2 sets
10 reps
60 sec rest
Set 1 of 2
Rest before next set
Get ready
321GO
Warm-Up: Use two sets to warm up here, aiming for a nice and healthy chest stretch with each rep. Stick with light weight!
Primary muscle group(s):
Chest
Secondary:
Abs, Shoulders, Triceps
  1. Sit on the seat with your upper chest just above the horizontal handles.
  2. Push the foot lever until you are able to grasp the lever.
  3. Gras the handles using a wide overhand grip and place your elbows out to the sides just below your shoulders.
  4. Release the foot lever and press the hand lever out until your arms are fully extended.
  5. Return the weight until your chest muscles are slightly stretched.
Primary muscle group(s):
Chest
Secondary:
Abs, Shoulders, Triceps
  1. Lie on a flat bench holding a dumbbell in each hand with an overhand grip.
  2. Start by holding the dumbbells slightly wider than shoulder width apart above your shoulders. Your palms should be facing forward.
  3. Slowly bend your elbows until they are at a 90 degree angle and your upper arms are parallel to the ground.
  4. Push the weights up by straightening your arms.
  5. As you push the weights up, move your arms in an arc to bring the dumbbells together, until they meet over the center of your chest. Hold for a count of one.
  6. Lower the dumbbells by slowly bending your elbows back to 90 degrees.
  7. Continue lowering your arms until they are a little lower than parallel to the floor. (Your elbows should be pointing slightly towards the floor and you should feel a stretch in your chest muscles and shoulders.)
  8. Repeat

Be sure to concentrate on a balanced movement when lifting the dumbbells. Use both arms equally spaced and moving at the same speed.

Rest
0:00
next up
Seated Chest Press
Next
Seated Chest Press
Seated Chest Press exercise illustration
3 sets
10 reps
2 min rest
Set 1 of 3
Rest before next set
Get ready
321GO
Resistance Work: Aim for maximum chest extension here. Your goal is to safely reach a healthy burn at 10-12 reps. LOG THE RESISTANCE AMOUNT USED. You will need this number in the future.
Primary muscle group(s):
Chest
Secondary:
Abs, Shoulders, Triceps
  1. Sit on the seat with your upper chest just above the horizontal handles.
  2. Push the foot lever until you are able to grasp the lever.
  3. Gras the handles using a wide overhand grip and place your elbows out to the sides just below your shoulders.
  4. Release the foot lever and press the hand lever out until your arms are fully extended.
  5. Return the weight until your chest muscles are slightly stretched.
Primary muscle group(s):
Chest
Secondary:
Abs, Shoulders, Triceps
  1. Lie on a flat bench holding a dumbbell in each hand with an overhand grip.
  2. Start by holding the dumbbells slightly wider than shoulder width apart above your shoulders. Your palms should be facing forward.
  3. Slowly bend your elbows until they are at a 90 degree angle and your upper arms are parallel to the ground.
  4. Push the weights up by straightening your arms.
  5. As you push the weights up, move your arms in an arc to bring the dumbbells together, until they meet over the center of your chest. Hold for a count of one.
  6. Lower the dumbbells by slowly bending your elbows back to 90 degrees.
  7. Continue lowering your arms until they are a little lower than parallel to the floor. (Your elbows should be pointing slightly towards the floor and you should feel a stretch in your chest muscles and shoulders.)
  8. Repeat

Be sure to concentrate on a balanced movement when lifting the dumbbells. Use both arms equally spaced and moving at the same speed.

Rest
0:00
next up
Wide-Grip Lat Pulldowns
Next
Wide-Grip Lat Pulldowns
Wide-Grip Lat Pulldowns exercise illustration
3 sets
10 reps
2 sec rest
Set 1 of 3
Rest before next set
Get ready
321GO
Resistance Work: Aim for maximum chest extension here. Your goal is to safely reach a healthy burn at 10-12 reps. LOG THE RESISTANCE AMOUNT USED. You will need this number in the future.
Primary muscle group(s):
Lower Back, Middle Back / Lats
Secondary:
Abs, Biceps
  1. Set up a cable station with a straight bar attached to the top pulley.
  2. Sit on the seat facing the station. Keep your feet flat and planted firmly on the floor.
  3. Using an overhand grip, hold the bar as wide as comfortable. (Your hands should be about 1 1/2 – 2 times body width apart.)
  4. Lean back slightly without arching your back.
  5. Pull the bar towards the top of your chest using your shoulders while arcing your elbows out to the sides of your body.
  6. At the end of the movement squeeze you shoulders together slightly and hold for a count of one.
  7. Return to the start position by arcing your elbows forward while relaxing your shoulders.
  8. Repeat.
Primary muscle group(s):
Lower Back, Upper Back & Lower Traps
Secondary:
Biceps, Forearms, Shoulders
  1. Standing under a pull-up bar, reach up and hold onto the bar with an overhand grip. Make sure your hands are about twice your shoulder width apart.
  2. Keep your arms straight and hang from the bar so that your arms are taking all of your weight.
  3. Keeping your body straight and not swinging your weight, pull your body up towards the bar by pulling your elbows down towards your torso at an angle.
  4. Continue lifting until your chest is nearly touching the bar. You should feel a “squeeze” at the base of your lats (about midway down your back and to the side) as they contract.
  5.  Once your lats have completely contracted at the top of the movement, slowly lower your body to the starting position.
  6. Repeat.

By using a wide grip, your lats are doing most of the lift, rather than your biceps. It doesn't matter if you keep your legs straight or bent at the knees with your feet crossed. The important thing is that you do not use your legs to assist in lifting your body weight. As your strength increases, you can add weight by using a weight belt.

Rest
0:00
next up
Tricep Cable Rope Push Downs
Next
Tricep Cable Rope Push Downs
Tricep Cable Rope Push Downs exercise illustration
3 sets
12 reps
60 sec rest
Set 1 of 3
Rest before next set
Get ready
321GO
Resistance Work: Complete 12 reps and then take a short rest!
Primary muscle group(s):
Triceps
Secondary:
Abs, Forearms
  1. Set up a cable station with a straight bar on attached to the top pulley.
  2. Grip the bar with an overhand grip,with your hands slightly less than shoulder width apart.
  3. Position your feet shoulder width apart,with knees slightly bent for stability.
  4. Pull the bar down until your forearms are parallel to the floor with your elbows close to your body and your wrists locked in a straight position. This is your staring point.
  5. Moving only your forearms, push the bar down towards the floor until your arms are fully extended and you feel a stretch in your triceps. Hold for a count of one and squeeze your triceps.
  6. Return to the start position moving your forearms only. Hold for a count of one then repeat.

Do not move your elbows or swing your hips for momentum during this movement.

Primary muscle group(s):
Triceps
Secondary:
Abs, Lower Back
  1. Holding a pair of dumbbells with an overhand grip, stand tall with your chest up and core braced. Bend at the hips while keeping your back completely flat.
  2. Once your upper body is parallel with the floor, bring your upper arms to your sides. Begin by pushing the dumbbells back and behind you.
  3. Pause at the top of the movement and feel the contraction in your triceps. Slowly lower the dumbbells and begin again.
Rest
0:00
next up
Standing Dumbbell Bicep Hammer Curls
Next
Standing Dumbbell Bicep Hammer Curls
Standing Dumbbell Bicep Hammer Curls exercise illustration
3 sets
12 reps
60 sec rest
Set 1 of 3
Rest before next set
Get ready
321GO
Resistance Work: Complete 12 reps and then take a short rest!
Primary muscle group(s):
Biceps
Secondary:
Forearms
  1. Stand straight holing a dumbbell in each hand with a neutral grip.
  2. Keep your arms fully extended with your palms facing in to your sides.
  3. Keep your elbows tucked in to your sides. This is the start position.
  4. Keeping your upper arm stationary, exhale and curl the dumbbells up towards your shoulders.
  5. Continue  raising the dumbbells until your biceps are fully contracted and the dumbbells are at shoulder level.
  6. Hold for a count of one and squeeze your biceps.
  7. Return to the start position in a smooth movement, inhaling as you do so.
  8. Repeat.

There are many ways to perform this movement. Other examples include; sitting with or without back support, using alternating arms and also using a cable station's lower pulley.

Primary muscle group(s):
Biceps
Secondary:
Forearms
  1. Stand at the cable station with your feet shoulder width apart and with a slight bend at the knee.
  2. Grasp the rope with both hands and your palms facing inward.
  3. Keeping your core strong and your elbows fixed at your sides pull the rope towards the top of your chest (only the lower portion of your arms should be moving).
  4. Tense your biceps at the peak, and then slowly allow the rope to be pulled back down to the starting position.
Rest
0:00
next up
Machine Seated Shoulder Press
Next
Machine Seated Shoulder Press
Machine Seated Shoulder Press exercise illustration
3 sets
10 reps
2 min rest
Set 1 of 3
Rest before next set
Get ready
321GO
Resistance Work: Aim for maximum chest extension here. Your goal is to safely reach a healthy burn at 10-12 reps. LOG THE RESISTANCE AMOUNT USED. You will need this number in the future.
Primary muscle group(s):
Shoulders
Secondary:
Biceps, Forearms, Triceps
  • Keep a tight core and flat back as you remain seated in the shoulder press machine.
  • Look straight ahead as you hold on to the handles.
  • Slowly, press the handles up above your head.
  • Do not lock out your elbow.
  • Slowly, bring the handles back down but do not let the weight stack touch.
  • Repeat the movement.
Primary muscle group(s):
Shoulders
Secondary:
Abs, Triceps, Upper Back & Lower Traps
  1. Sit on a military press bench or bench that has a back support, holding a dumbbell in each hand with an overhand grip.
  2. Place the dumbbells on top of your thighs with your palms facing down.
  3. Raise the dumbbells to your shoulders.
  4. Rotate your wrists so that the palms of your hands are facing away from you. This is the start position.
  5. As you exhale,  push the dumbbells up and over your head by extending your arms until the dumbbells touch at the top of the movement.
  6. Pause for a count of one.
  7. Slowly return to the start position inhaling as you do so.
  8. Repeat.

This exercise can be performed standing or sitting on  flat bench. For people with lower back problems, the version described is better.

Primary muscle group(s):
Shoulders
Secondary:
Abs
  1. Place your left foot onto the middle of a resistance band. Step forward with the right. Tighten your abdominals and avoid arching your back.
  2. Press the handles of the resistance band up and stop once your upper arms are parallel with the ground, making a scarecrow formation. The band should be behind your arms.
  3. Slowly press the resistance band overhead. Do not lock out the elbows. Lower to the starting position and begin again.
Primary muscle group(s):
Shoulders
Secondary:
Abs, Triceps, Upper Back & Lower Traps
  1. Place a bench with a back support inside a squat rack and set up a barbell at a height that is just above your head.
  2. Grip the barbell with an overhand grip.
  3. Space your hands out so that your elbows are bent at 90 degrees.
  4. Lift the bar to around shoulder level by extending your arms.  This is the start position.
  5. Inhaling, lower the bar  to your shoulders slowly.
  6. Hold for a count of one while squeezing your shoulder muscles.
  7. Push the barbell back to the start position as you exhaling as you do so..
  8. Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

This exercise can also be performed standing.

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Exercises done
of 6
Total time
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