Workout Labs Fit
Home Calendar My workouts Library Fit
Warm-up of 00:00
Workout of 6 00:00
Cooldown of 00:00
Begin workout Resume Start over Save and Customize

Intermediate Dumbbell Arm Muscle Burn Workout

29 min
 · 
6 exercises

Ultimate arm dumbbell burner — warm up properly before tackling this one! Working sets should be loaded to a weight that brings you close to failure at 12 reps. Build arm muscle, tone up, and feel every rep. Intermediate-level arms day. Let\'s go!

Standing Arm Circles exercise illustration
Standing Arm Circles
2 sets
30 secs
1 sec rest
Get those shoulders open! 1 set forwards and 1 set backwards.
0:30 rest
Dumbbell Biceps Curl to Shoulder Press exercise illustration
Dumbbell Biceps Curl to Shoulder Press
2 sets
30 secs
45 sec rest
Nice and controlled, nice and light. There\'s no need to rush!
0:30 rest
Seated Dumbbell Bicep Curls exercise illustration
Seated Dumbbell Bicep Curls
3 sets
45 secs
90 sec rest
Working sets!
1:00 rest
Double Arm Tricep Kickbacks exercise illustration
Double Arm Tricep Kickbacks
3 sets
45 secs
60 sec rest
Working sets!
1:00 rest
Alternating Incline Bench Dumbbell Curls exercise illustration A
Go heavy and aim 8 reps per arm!
Seated Tricep Press exercise illustration A
Seated Tricep Press
4 sets
45 secs
60 sec rest
Use one dumbbell from the curls and reps these out for a killer tricep burn.

About this workout

Intermediate Dumbbell Arm Muscle Burn Workout is a free 29 min workout plan with 6 illustrated exercises for your arms 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: 29 min
  • Exercises: 6
  • Training focus: Arms and shoulders
  • Equipment: Dumbbells
  • Level: Intermediate
  • 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 dumbbells 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 Intermediate Dumbbell Arm Muscle Burn Workout take?

The full workout takes about 29 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?

This is an intermediate workout, best suited to people with some training experience. Beginners can still follow it by reducing the weight, doing fewer sets or resting longer between sets – each exercise includes illustrated form instructions.

What muscles does this workout target?

This routine primarily works your shoulders, biceps, triceps. 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.

Intermediate Dumbbell Arm Muscle Burn Workout
29 min
 · 
6 exercises
Ultimate arm dumbbell burner — warm up properly before tackling this one! Working sets should be loaded to a weight that brings you close to failure at 12 reps. Build arm muscle, tone up, and feel every rep. Intermediate-level arms day. Let\'s go!
Auto-advance Start exercises automatically
after a 5-second delay
Start workout Cancel workout
Standing Arm Circles
Standing Arm Circles exercise illustration
2 sets
30 secs
1 sec rest
Set 1 of 2
Rest before next set
Get ready
321GO
Get those shoulders open! 1 set forwards and 1 set backwards.
Primary muscle group(s):
Shoulders
Secondary:
Upper Back & Lower Traps
  1. Standing with a flat back and tight core, raise your arms to the sides.
  2. While focusing on the shoulders, slowly rotate your arms in a circular motion. Start with small circles. Gradually increase the size of the circles.
  3. After completing one set of a pre-determined number (such as 10 repetitions), reverse the direction, going counter-clockwise.
Rest
0:00
next up
Dumbbell Biceps Curl to Shoulder Press
Next
Dumbbell Biceps Curl to Shoulder Press
Dumbbell Biceps Curl to Shoulder Press exercise illustration
2 sets
30 secs
45 sec rest
Set 1 of 2
Rest before next set
Get ready
321GO
Nice and controlled, nice and light. There\'s no need to rush!
Primary muscle group(s):
Biceps, Shoulders
Secondary:
Abs
  1. Holding a pair of dumbbells, stand tall with your feet shoulder-width apart. Make sure your core is tight and your chest is up. Begin by curling the weight up towards your shoulders. Keep your upper arms tight at your sides.
  2. Once the dumbbells reach your shoulders, twist the dumbbells to have your palms face out. Now, drive the dumbbells overhead.
  3. Slowly, lower the dumbbells to your shoulders. Now, flip them back so your palms are facing you. With arms tight at your sides, lower the dumbbells to the starting position.
Rest
0:00
next up
Seated Dumbbell Bicep Curls
Next
Seated Dumbbell Bicep Curls
Seated Dumbbell Bicep Curls exercise illustration
3 sets
45 secs
90 sec rest
Set 1 of 3
Rest before next set
Get ready
321GO
Working sets!
Primary muscle group(s):
Biceps
Secondary:
Forearms
  1. Sit on a flat bench holding a dumbbell in each hand  with an underhand grip.
  2. Keep your back straight and shoulders back.
  3. Keep your arms fully extended with your elbows close to your sides.
  4. Rotate your palms so that they are facing in towards you. This is the start position.
  5. Keeping your upper arms upper arm stationary, start to curl the dumbbells upwards in a smooth arc.
  6. As you curl the dumbbells upwards rotate your wrists, so that your palms  face in towards you at the end of the movement.
  7. Continue the movement until  the dumbbells are at shoulder level and your biceps are fully contracted.
  8. Hold for a count of one as you squeeze your biceps.
  9. return to the start position, rotating your wrists back to an underhand grip position.
  10. Repeat.

This exercise can be performed by alternating between arms.

Primary muscle group(s):
Biceps
Secondary:
Abs, Forearms
  1. Set up a cable station with a straight bar attachment connected to the low pulley.
  2. Stand close to the station, feet shoulder width apart either side of the pulley.
  3. Grip the bar with a shoulder width underhand grip.
  4. Keep your elbows close to your sides.
  5. Curls your arms upward from the elbows in a smooth arc.
  6. Continue until your forearms are vertical with your palms facing your shoulders. Hold for a count of one while flexing your biceps.
  7. Lower the bar back to the starting position in a smooth motion.
  8. Repeat.
Primary muscle group(s):
Biceps
Secondary:
Forearms
  1. Begin the movement by stepping on to a resistance band with your feet at shoulder-width, toes pointed slightly out.
  2. Holding the handles of the band in each hand, tighten your abdominals and straighten your lower back. Keep your chest up and gaze forward.
  3. Using an underhand grip or hammer fist grip, slowly pull the band towards your shoulders. Keep your upper arm in place, moving only your forearms.
  4. Once you reach the top of the movement, pause, and slowly lower the band to the starting position. Do not lock out your elbows.
Primary muscle group(s):
Biceps
Secondary:
Forearms
  1. Holding a water bottle in each hand, stand with your feet shoulder width apart.
  2. Let your arms hang by your side with your palms facing in to the side of your body.
  3. Keep your elbows close to your sides.
  4. Curl the water bottles up towards your shoulders. Do not swing your hips to get the weight moving.
  5. Continue raising the water bottles until they are level with your shoulders with your palms facing in. Your forearm should be in a vertical position.
  6. Squeeze or flex your bicep and hold for a count of one.
  7. Slowly lower the water bottles to the starting position.
Rest
0:00
next up
Double Arm Tricep Kickbacks
Next
Double Arm Tricep Kickbacks
Double Arm Tricep Kickbacks exercise illustration
3 sets
45 secs
60 sec rest
Set 1 of 3
Rest before next set
Get ready
321GO
Working sets!
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.
Primary muscle group(s):
Triceps
Secondary:
Abs
  1. Sit on a bench with back support.
  2. Grip a dumbbell at one end using both hands. Your palms should be facing inward.
  3. Hold the dumbbell overhead with your arms fully extended.  This is the the start position.
  4. Keep your upper arms close to your head (biceps roughly level with your temples) and near to 90degrees to the floor.
  5. Moving only your forearms, lower the dumbbell in a smooth arc behind your head until your forearms and biceps touch. Hold for a count of one.
  6. Return to the start position by using the triceps to extend your arm and raise the dumbbell. Exhale as you do this.
  7. Repeat.

This exercise can be performed standing. However, it places an extra strain on your back so is not recommended for people with lower back problems. You can also perform this exercise using an EZ bar or straight bar with a close grip behind your head, palms facing forward.

Primary muscle group(s):
Triceps
  1. Attach a resistance band to a door frame or other stable surface. Grab the handles of the band and walk backward until the slack tightens.
  2. Bend slightly at the knees and forward at the hips. Maintain a flat back throughout.
  3. Bring your upper arms up and tight to your side. From here, you will pull the band back using the forearms only. The contraction will be felt exclusively in the triceps.
  4. Slowly return to the starting position and begin again.
Primary muscle group(s):
Triceps
Secondary:
Upper Back & Lower Traps
  1. Holding a pair of water bottles 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 water bottles back and behind you.
  3. Pause at the top of the movement and feel the contraction in your triceps. Slowly lower the water bottles and begin again.
Rest
0:00
next up
Superset A - Alternating Incline Bench Dumbbell Curls, Seated Tricep Press
Next
Alternating Incline Bench Dumbbell Curls
Alternating Incline Bench Dumbbell Curls exercise illustration
A
3 sets
60 secs
Superset A • Set 1 of 3
Rest before next set
Get ready
321GO
Go heavy and aim 8 reps per arm!
Primary muscle group(s):
Biceps
Secondary:
Abs, Forearms
  1. Set up an incline bench at 45 degrees.
  2. Holding a dumbbell in each hand, sit on the bench, keeping your shoulders and back firmly against the back rest.
  3. Put your arms down by your side with your palms facing in to your body.
  4. Slowly curl your arms up, rotating your wrist outwards (thumbs pointing away from your body) until the dumbbell is level with your shoulders. (Your palms should be facing your shoulders)
  5. Flex or squeeze your bicep at the top of the movement and hold for a count of one.
  6. Slowly lower the dumbbells back to the start position, turning your palms back in to your body. Repeat.

You can also perform this exercise using one arm at a time or by alternating your arms (Left, right, left, right...)

Primary muscle group(s):
Biceps
Secondary:
Forearms
  1. Sit on a flat bench with your legs spread, knees bent and your feet flat on the floor with a dumbbell between your feet.
  2. Use either arm to pick the dumbbell up and hold it with an underhand grip.
  3. Place the back of that upper arm on the top of your inner thigh on the same side. Your palm should be facing away from your thigh.
  4. Keep your arm fully extended downwards without letting the dumbbell rest on the floor. This is the start position.
  5. Curl the dumbbell forward and up in a smooth arc, contracting your biceps and exhaling.
  6. Continue curling the dumbbell upward until your biceps are fully contracted and the dumbbell is at shoulder level.  Hold for a count of one while squeezing your biceps.
  7. Return to the start position in a controlled, smooth arc inhaling as you do so. Do not swing the dumbbell down.
  8. Repeat for all the repetitions for that arm then switch and repeat the movement with your other arm.

Throughout this exercise, only your forearms should move. This exercise can be performed standing in a bent over position. Here there is no upper arm support so it's important to ensure there is no movement or swinging of the upper arm. This harder version of concentration curls isn't recommended for people who suffer lower back issues.

Primary muscle group(s):
Biceps
Secondary:
Abs, Forearms
  1. Set up a cable station with a straight bar attachment connected to the low pulley.
  2. Stand close to the station, feet shoulder width apart either side of the pulley.
  3. Grip the bar with a shoulder width underhand grip.
  4. Keep your elbows close to your sides.
  5. Curls your arms upward from the elbows in a smooth arc.
  6. Continue until your forearms are vertical with your palms facing your shoulders. Hold for a count of one while flexing your biceps.
  7. Lower the bar back to the starting position in a smooth motion.
  8. Repeat.
Primary muscle group(s):
Biceps
Secondary:
Forearms
  1. Begin the movement by stepping on to a resistance band with your feet at shoulder-width, toes pointed slightly out.
  2. Holding the handles of the band in each hand, tighten your abdominals and straighten your lower back. Keep your chest up and gaze forward.
  3. Using an underhand grip or hammer fist grip, slowly pull the band towards your shoulders. Keep your upper arm in place, moving only your forearms.
  4. Once you reach the top of the movement, pause, and slowly lower the band to the starting position. Do not lock out your elbows.
Primary muscle group(s):
Biceps
Secondary:
Forearms
  1. Holding a water bottle in each hand, stand with your feet shoulder width apart.
  2. Let your arms hang by your side with your palms facing in to the side of your body.
  3. Keep your elbows close to your sides.
  4. Curl the water bottles up towards your shoulders. Do not swing your hips to get the weight moving.
  5. Continue raising the water bottles until they are level with your shoulders with your palms facing in. Your forearm should be in a vertical position.
  6. Squeeze or flex your bicep and hold for a count of one.
  7. Slowly lower the water bottles to the starting position.
Seated Tricep Press
Seated Tricep Press exercise illustration
A
4 sets
45 secs
60 sec rest
Superset A • Set 1 of 4
Rest before next set
Get ready
321GO
Use one dumbbell from the curls and reps these out for a killer tricep burn.
Primary muscle group(s):
Triceps
Secondary:
Abs
  1. Sit on a bench with back support.
  2. Grip a dumbbell at one end using both hands. Your palms should be facing inward.
  3. Hold the dumbbell overhead with your arms fully extended.  This is the the start position.
  4. Keep your upper arms close to your head (biceps roughly level with your temples) and near to 90degrees to the floor.
  5. Moving only your forearms, lower the dumbbell in a smooth arc behind your head until your forearms and biceps touch. Hold for a count of one.
  6. Return to the start position by using the triceps to extend your arm and raise the dumbbell. Exhale as you do this.
  7. Repeat.

This exercise can be performed standing. However, it places an extra strain on your back so is not recommended for people with lower back problems. You can also perform this exercise using an EZ bar or straight bar with a close grip behind your head, palms facing forward.

Primary muscle group(s):
Triceps
Secondary:
Forearms
  1. Attach a rope to the bottom pulley of a cable station.
  2. Grip the rope with both hands using a neutral grip. Turn your body away from the cable station.
  3. Fully extend your arms until your hands are directly above your head pointing to the ceiling.
  4. Keep your elbows  close to your head. This is the start position.
  5. Slowly lower the rope behind your head, keeping your upper arms stationary, inhaling as you do so.
  6. When your triceps are fully extended, hold for a count of one while squeezing your triceps.
  7. Return to the starting position by flexing your triceps  and extending your arms. Exhale as you do so.
  8. Repeat.

This exercise can be performed  seated on a plain bench, or one that has a back support You  can also use a single dumbbell instead of the rope.

Primary muscle group(s):
Triceps
  1. Begin the movement by stepping on to a resistance band with your feet at shoulder-width, toes pointed slightly out.
  2. Push the handles of the band overhead while keeping a slight bend in the elbow. Brace your abdominals and do not arch your back.
  3. Slowly lower your hands behind your head using only the forearms. The upper arms will stay in place with the elbow pointed up.
  4. Push the handles back up, focusing the tension in the triceps.
Workout done!
Exercises done
of 6
Total time
Access 1000+ more workouts, build your own plans and track progress with Fit
Start my free week
Free 7-day trial • No charge today
Add to
  • Mon, Jul 6
You can switch gender of illustrations here
Got it
Save, edit and schedule this workout with Fit
Card saved • No charge today
Delete forever?
Yep, toss it!