Workout Labs Fit
Home Calendar My workouts Library Fit
Warm-up of 00:00
Workout of 7 00:00
Cooldown of 00:00
Begin workout Resume Start over Save and Customize

Full-Body 2 42-min Dumbbells Workout ๐Ÿƒ

42 min
 · 
7 exercises

Here we go with some full-body work! Be sure to fall within the rep ranges and take note of the amount of weight used, you'll be using this a lot more in the future.ย 

Standing Two-Armed Bent Over Dumbbell Rows exercise illustration
Standing Two-Armed Bent Over Dumbbell Rows
3 sets
8-10 reps
2 min rest
๐Ÿ”ถYour goal is to reach a challenging point between 8 and 10 reps. If you can't reach 8, it's too heavy!
1:00 rest
Lateral Shoulder Dumbbell Raises exercise illustration
Lateral Shoulder Dumbbell Raises
2 sets
8-10 reps
2 min rest
๐Ÿ”ถYour goal is to reach a challenging point between 8 and 10 reps. If you can't reach 8, it's too heavy!
1:00 rest
Upright Dumbbell Rows exercise illustration
Upright Dumbbell Rows
2 sets
12 reps
2 min rest
๐Ÿ”ถBring those dumbbells all the way up to your shoulder level!
1:00 rest
Weighted Glute Bridges exercise illustration
Weighted Glute Bridges
2 sets
15 reps
90 sec rest
๐ŸŸฅAim to tense your glutes at the top of the motion!
1:00 rest
Overhead Dumbbell Squats exercise illustration
Overhead Dumbbell Squats
2 sets
10 reps
90 sec rest
๐ŸŸฅAim to keep your posture upright here, and drop low into each rep (in a controlled manner).
1:00 rest
Incline Dumbbell Bench Chest Press exercise illustration
Incline Dumbbell Bench Chest Press
2 sets
20 reps
90 sec rest
๐ŸŸขReduce the weight and hit these increased reps!
1:00 rest
Seated Arnold Dumbbell Press exercise illustration
Seated Arnold Dumbbell Press
2 sets
15 reps
90 sec rest
๐ŸŸขFinish up the day with some hefty shoulder work!

About this workout

Full-Body 2 42-min Dumbbells Workout ๐Ÿƒ is a free 42 min workout plan with 7 illustrated exercises for your back, chest, legs 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: 42 min
  • Exercises: 7
  • Training focus: Back, chest, legs 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 Full-Body 2 42-min Dumbbells Workout ๐Ÿƒ take?

The full workout takes about 42 minutes, covering 7 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 โ€“ each exercise includes illustrated form instructions.

What muscles does this workout target?

This routine primarily works your lower back, shoulders, glutes & hip flexors, quadriceps, chest. 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 2โ€“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 โ€“ 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.

Full-Body 2 42-min Dumbbells Workout ๐Ÿƒ
42 min
 · 
7 exercises
Here we go with some full-body work! Be sure to fall within the rep ranges and take note of the amount of weight used, you'll be using this a lot more in the future.ย 
Auto-advance Start exercises automatically
after a 5-second delay
Start workout Cancel workout
Standing Two-Armed Bent Over Dumbbell Rows
Standing Two-Armed Bent Over Dumbbell Rows exercise illustration
3 sets
8 reps
2 min rest
Set 1 of 3
Rest before next set
Get ready
321GO
๐Ÿ”ถYour goal is to reach a challenging point between 8 and 10 reps. If you can't reach 8, it's too heavy!
Primary muscle group(s):
Lower Back
Secondary:
Abs, Biceps
  1. Stand tall with a tight core and flat back. Hold a pair of dumbbells at your side with an overhand grip. Bend slightly at the knees as you push your hips back. Keep your chest and head up. Upper body should be almost parallel with the floor.
  2. With your elbows at a 60-degree angle, bring the dumbbells up. Pause when your upper arm is parallel with the floor. Contract the muscle then slowly return the dumbbells to the starting point.
Primary muscle group(s):
Lower Back, Upper Back & Lower Traps
Secondary:
Abs, Biceps, Shoulders
  1. Place a dumbbell on each side of a flat bench.
  2. Place your right knee on the end of the bench.
  3. Bend your torso from the waist until your upper body is parallel to the floor, while placing your right hand on the bench in front of you for support.
  4. With your left hand, pick up the dumbbell with an overhand grip. The palm of your hand should be facing into you.
  5. Keep your lower back straight. This is the start position.
  6. Using your back muscles, pull the dumbbell straight up to the side of your chest, keeping your upper arm close to your side. Exhale as you do so.
  7. At the top of the movement, hold for a count of one and squeeze your back muscles.
  8. Return to the start position inhaling as you do so. Repeat.
  9. Complete all repetitions for one side before switching sides.

This exercise can be performedย  using a cable station, with a stirrup handle attached to either the high or low pulley.

Primary muscle group(s):
Middle Back / Lats, Upper Back & Lower Traps
Secondary:
Biceps
  1. Stand tall with a tight core and flat back. Hold a pair of water bottles at your side with an overhand grip. Bend slightly at the knees as you push your hips back. Keep your chest and head up. Upper body should be almost parallel with the floor.
  2. With your elbows at a 60-degree angle, bring the water bottles up. Pause when your upper arm is parallel with the floor. Contract the muscle then slowly return theย water bottles to the starting point.
Primary muscle group(s):
Middle Back / Lats
Secondary:
Abs, Biceps
  1. Begin the movement by stepping on to a resistance band with your feet at shoulder-width, toes pointed slightly out.
  2. Bend slightly at the knees and forward at the hips. Maintain a braced core and flat back throughout.
  3. Leading with your elbows, pull the handles of the resistance band back, bringing your shoulder blades closer together. Hold this contraction and slowly release to the starting position.
Rest
0:00
next up
Lateral Shoulder Dumbbell Raises
Next
Lateral Shoulder Dumbbell Raises
Lateral Shoulder Dumbbell Raises exercise illustration
2 sets
8 reps
2 min rest
Set 1 of 2
Rest before next set
Get ready
321GO
๐Ÿ”ถYour goal is to reach a challenging point between 8 and 10 reps. If you can't reach 8, it's too heavy!
Primary muscle group(s):
Shoulders
  1. Stand with your back straight, feet shoulder width apart, while holding a dumbbell in each hand with a neutral grip.
  2. Hold your arms fully extended by your side, with your palms facing in to your body.
  3. Keep your elbows close to your sides. This is the start position.
  4. Keeping your arms fully extended and your torso stationary, lift the dumbbells out to your sides and up until they are at shoulder level. Exhale as you do so.
  5. Hold for a count of one while squeezing your shoulder muscles.
  6. ย Return to the start position in a smooth controlled movement inhaling as you do so.
  7. Repeat.

<strong>ย </strong>

Primary muscle group(s):
Shoulders
Secondary:
Neck & Upper Traps
  1. Sit on a bench, holding a dumbbell in each hand. Your hands should be at your sides.
  2. Maintain a flat back and tight core. Look straight ahead during the movement.
  3. Be sure to maintain a slight bend in your elbows at all times.
  4. Extend your arms out to the side and guide the weight up. Your arms should come to parallel with the floor.
  5. Pause, slowly lower the weight back to the starting position. Repeat.
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. Maintaining a slight bend in the elbows at all times, slowly raise your arms up from the sides of your body. Be sure to favor the front as you lift.
  3. Once your arms reach parallel with the floor, pause, feel the contraction, and slowly lower back down.
Rest
0:00
next up
Upright Dumbbell Rows
Next
Upright Dumbbell Rows
Upright Dumbbell Rows exercise illustration
2 sets
12 reps
2 min rest
Set 1 of 2
Rest before next set
Get ready
321GO
๐Ÿ”ถBring those dumbbells all the way up to your shoulder level!
Primary muscle group(s):
Shoulders
Secondary:
Abs, Biceps, Forearms, Upper Back & Lower Traps
  1. Holding a dumbbell in each hand,stand with your feet shoulder width apart.
  2. The dumbbells should be resting on your thighs with your palms facing in.
  3. Lift the dumbbells straight up in single smooth movement until they are just below your chin making sure to keep your shoulders back and your elbows out.
  4. At the top of the movement, flex or squeeze your biceps and forearms. Hold for a count of one.
  5. Return to the starting position slowly to keep tension on the muscles.
  6. Repeat.

This exercise can be performed using a barbell,EZ bar or a cable station with a straight bar or EZ bar attachment.

Primary muscle group(s):
Shoulders
Secondary:
Abs, Neck & Upper Traps
  1. Stand with your back straight, holding a barbell with an overhand grip slightly less than shoulder width apart.
  2. The bar should be level with the tops of your thighs.
  3. Keep your arms extended with a slight bend at the elbows. This is the start position.
  4. Exhale and using the sides of your shoulders lift the bar.
  5. As you do so, raise your elbows up and out to the side.
  6. Keep the bar close to your body as you raise it.
  7. Continueย  lifting the bar until it is just below your chin. Pause for a count of one.
  8. Return to the start position in a single smooth movement. Inhale as you do so.
  9. Repeat.

This exercise can be performed using a straight bar attached to a low pulley or using dumbbells.

Primary muscle group(s):
Shoulders
Secondary:
Abs, Upper Back & Lower Traps
  1. Attach a straight bar to the low pulley on the cable station.
  2. Stand facing the station with your feet shoulder width apart either side of the pulley.
  3. Grip the bar with an overhand grip, with your hands shoulder width apart and arms fully extended.
  4. Keep your shoulders back.
  5. Raise the bar straight up in one smooth movement, until it is just below your chin.
  6. Hold for a count of one while squeezing your biceps and forearms.
  7. Slowly lower to the start position and repeat.
Rest
0:00
next up
Weighted Glute Bridges
Next
Weighted Glute Bridges
Weighted Glute Bridges exercise illustration
2 sets
15 reps
90 sec rest
Set 1 of 2
Rest before next set
Get ready
321GO
๐ŸŸฅAim to tense your glutes at the top of the motion!
Primary muscle group(s):
Glutes & Hip Flexors
Secondary:
Abs, Lower Back
  1. Select an appropriate weight for the plate you will be using. Place it next to where you will be laying.
  2. Lay on flat on your back. Bend your knees, bringing your feet towards your hips. Bring the plate up and on to your pelvic area.
  3. Tighten your core, flatten your back, and make sure your feet are firmly on the ground. Raise your hips up, creating a straight line from your head to your knees.
  4. Slowly lower your hips and repeat the movement.
Primary muscle group(s):
Glutes & Hip Flexors
Secondary:
Lower Back
  1. Position your upper back on a padded bench so that your body runs perpendicular to the bench.ย 
  2. Align your feet so they are about shoulder width apart, with the soles flat on theย boxย with your back and hips elevated from the floor.
  3. Slowly lower your body into the gap between the bench and the box allowing your toes to point upward as you do so.
  4. Lift your body upwards using the muscles in your lower back and glutes all the way to the top of the extension.
  5. Tense you glutes holding the top position before lowering your body back down for the next rep.
Primary muscle group(s):
Glutes & Hip Flexors, Hamstrings
Secondary:
Abs, Lower Back
  1. Lie on an exercise mat with your knees bent so that your feet are flat on the floor. Keep your back straight.
  2. Place your hands out to your sides palms flat for stability.
  3. Raise your glutes off the floor by extending your hips upward while pushing down through you heels.
  4. Continue until your back, hips and thighs are in a straight line. Hold for a count of one.
  5. Return to the start position by lowering your hips back to the floor.
  6. Pause then repeat.
Rest
0:00
next up
Overhead Dumbbell Squats
Next
Overhead Dumbbell Squats
Overhead Dumbbell Squats exercise illustration
2 sets
10 reps
90 sec rest
Set 1 of 2
Rest before next set
Get ready
321GO
๐ŸŸฅAim to keep your posture upright here, and drop low into each rep (in a controlled manner).
Primary muscle group(s):
Glutes & Hip Flexors, Quadriceps
Secondary:
Shoulders, Upper Back & Lower Traps
  1. Place a firm grip on two appropriately weighted dumbbells. Before driving the dumbbells above your head, make sure that your core is tight and your chest is up.
  2. Push theย dumbbells straight above your head, locking out your elbows.
  3. Once you feel stabilized, slowly bend the knees and drive your hips backwards, maintaining a tight, solid core as you do so.
  4. Once your upper thighs become parallel with the ground, slowly push back up, returning to the starting position. Be sure to keep those dumbbells fixed overhead throughout the entire movement.

This, like all overhead weighted movements, should be performed in a controlled environment. Be sure to check the weight before attempting, if working with an adjustable dumbbell ensure all is locked tightly into place.

Primary muscle group(s):
Glutes & Hip Flexors, Quadriceps
Secondary:
Hamstrings, Shoulders
  1. Place a firm grip onย an appropriately weighted plate. Before driving theย plate above your head, make sure that your core is tight, your chest is up, and your grip is solid.
  2. Push the plate straight above your head, locking out your elbows.
  3. Once you feel stabilized, slowly bend the knees and drive your hips backwards, maintaining a tight, solid core as you do so.
  4. Once your upper thighs become parallel with the ground, slowly push back up, returning to the starting position. Be sure to keep that plate fixed overhead throughout the entire movement.

This, like all overhead weighted movements, should be performed in a controlled environment. Be sure to check the weight before attempting, if working with an adjustable dumbbell ensure all is locked tightly into place, and your hands are dry.

Primary muscle group(s):
Glutes & Hip Flexors, Quadriceps, Shoulders
Secondary:
Hamstrings, Lower Back, Middle Back / Lats, Upper Back & Lower Traps
  1. Place a firm grip on two water bottles. Before driving theย water bottles above your head, make sure that your core is tight and your chest is up.
  2. Push the water bottles straight above your head, locking out your elbows.
  3. Once you feel stabilized, slowly bend the knees and drive your hips backwards, maintaining a tight, solid core as you do so.
  4. Once your upper thighs become parallel with the ground, slowly push back up, returning to the starting position. Be sure to keep those water bottles fixed overhead throughout the entire movement.

This, like all overhead weighted movements, should be performed in a controlled environment. Be sure to check the weight before attempting.

Rest
0:00
next up
Incline Dumbbell Bench Chest Press
Next
Incline Dumbbell Bench Chest Press
Incline Dumbbell Bench Chest Press exercise illustration
2 sets
20 reps
90 sec rest
Set 1 of 2
Rest before next set
Get ready
321GO
๐ŸŸขReduce the weight and hit these increased reps!
Primary muscle group(s):
Chest
Secondary:
Abs, Shoulders, Triceps
  1. Set up an incline bench so the back rest is at about a 45 degree angle.
  2. Hold a dumbbell in each hand with an overhand grip. (Palms facing away from you)
  3. Sit on the bench with your feet flat on the floor and your back and shoulders pressed firmly back against the back rest.
  4. Raise the dumbbells up to your shoulder level, keeping your elbows bent at 90 degrees.
  5. Push the dumbbells up and away from you using your shoulders and chest while straightening your arms.
  6. Continue raising the dumbbells until your arms are straight and the dumbbells are suspended above your chest. Hold for a count of one.
  7. Lower the dumbbells back towards your chest by relaxing your chest and shoulders while bending your elbows.
  8. Hold for a count of one
  9. Repeat.
Primary muscle group(s):
Chest
Secondary:
Abs, Shoulders, Triceps
  1. Set up an incline bench in front of a weight rack, making sure you adjust the incline to a comfortable position. The back of the bench should be facing the weight stack.
  2. Sit on the bench placing your back firmly against the backrest.
  3. Using an overhand grip, grasp the bar with your hands spaced about twice your shoulder width apart.
  4. Lift the bar from the rack by pushing up with your chest muscles and hold it straight over your chest with your arms fully extended. This is the start position.
  5. As you inhale, lower the barbell slowly until it touches your upper chest.
  6. Hold for a count of one while squeezing your chest muscles.
  7. Return to the start position as you exhale, pushing the bar using your chest muscles. Hold for a count of one.
  8. Repeat.

If you are new at this exercise, you should use a spotter. If there is no-one available to spot for you, be conservative with the amount of weight you use. Do not let the bar drift too far forward. The bar to should touch down on your chest only. When performing this exercise, you should use a 2:1:1 count. That is a count of two on the downward movement. A count of one to hold and squeeze.a count of one for the upward movement.

Primary muscle group(s):
Chest
Secondary:
Abs, Shoulders, Triceps
  1. Stand between two cable stations with the dumbbell grip handles attached to the high pulleys on each side of you.
  2. Hold the handles with an overhand grip. Your arms should be outstretched.
  3. Bend your knees and hips slightly so that you are leaning forward, but not too far.
  4. Bend your elbows slightly and rotate your shoulders in towards the centre of your chest a little. Your elbows should be slightly behind you.
  5. Use a hugging motion, keeping your elbows in a fixed, bent position to bring the grip attachments together in front of your chest.
  6. Slowly return to the starting position until you feel a slight stretch in your chest muscles.
  7. Repeat.
Rest
0:00
next up
Seated Arnold Dumbbell Press
Next
Seated Arnold Dumbbell Press
Seated Arnold Dumbbell Press exercise illustration
2 sets
15 reps
90 sec rest
Set 1 of 2
Rest before next set
Get ready
321GO
๐ŸŸขFinish up the day with some hefty shoulder work!
Primary muscle group(s):
Shoulders
Secondary:
Biceps, Neck & Upper Traps, Triceps
  1. Begin by sitting on a flat bench. Hold the dumbbell at your side with an overhand grip. Tighten your core and flatten your back.
  2. Bring the dumbbells up to shoulder height so that your palm are facing you. Push the dumbbells overhead. Rotate them as you do so.
  3. At the height of the movement, your palms should be facing away from you. Pause, contract and slowly return to the starting point through the same rotation.
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,ย  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 onย  flat bench. For people with lower back problems, the version described is better.

Primary muscle group(s):
Chest, Shoulders
Secondary:
Triceps
  1. Holding aย water bottle in each hand, stand straight, with your feet shoulder width apart.
  2. Raise theย water bottles to head height by rotating your arms forward and up.
  3. Your triceps should be parallel to the floor and your elbows bent at 90 degrees. This is the start position.
  4. Keeping your back straight and using only your arms, extend through your shoulders and elbows to drive the water bottles straight up, exhaling as you do so.
  5. As your arms reach the fully extended position, bring them in towards each other until theย water bottles touch lightly together.
  6. Hold for a count of one, while squeezing your shoulder muscles.
  7. In a controlled movement, return to the starting position, inhaling as you do so.
  8. Repeat.
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.
Workout done!
Exercises done
of 7
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 โ€ข No charge today
Delete forever?
Yep, toss it!