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Full-Body Single Dumbbell Builder

37 min
 · 
7 exercises
Today, all I would like you to do is to follow through the motions of each exercise. Nothing too crazy our intense here, just a genuine way to get a feel of the weight used on that single dumbbell.
Incline Push-ups
3 sets
10 reps
45 sec rest
Chest to bench with every rep. Aim for a slight pause at the lowest point.
1:00 rest
Push-ups
2 sets
12 reps
45 sec rest
Hands off push ups - bring your hands off the floor after each descent.
1:00 rest
Single-Arm Overhead Dumbbell Squats
3 sets
20 reps
Aim to bring your hips down to your knee line! 10 per arm per set.
1:00 rest
Single Arm Dumbbell Bench Rows
3 sets
24 reps
60 sec rest
Work that back! 12 per arm per set.
1:00 rest
Seated Dumbbell Concentration Curls
3 sets
20 reps
60 sec rest
Aim to tense your bicep at the top of the movement. 10 per arm per set.
1:00 rest
Single Arm Dumbbell Tricep Extensions
3 sets
20 reps
60 sec rest
Flex the tricep for a full second at the top of each rep. 10 per arm per set.
1:00 rest
Dumbbell Snatch
1 sets
50 reps
Workout finisher! Go for 25 per arm, fast.
This Full-Body Single Dumbbell Builder 37 min gym workout plan effectively targets your arms, back and chest. Easily follow this workout with confidence on your phone or printable exercise program with our clear exercise demonstrations. You can also look up step-by-step instructions for each of the 7 exercises and see which muscle groups they target. Enjoy!

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Full-Body Single Dumbbell Builder
37 min
 · 
7 exercises
Today, all I would like you to do is to follow through the motions of each exercise. Nothing too crazy our intense here, just a genuine way to get a feel of the weight used on that single dumbbell.
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Incline Push-ups
3 sets
10 reps
45 sec rest
Set 1 of 3
Rest before next set
Get ready
321GO
Chest to bench with every rep. Aim for a slight pause at the lowest point.
Primary muscle group(s):
Chest
Secondary:
Abs, Shoulders, Triceps
  1. Set up a bench or stable elevated surface. Begin with both hands on the bench at shoulder-width or just outside of shoulder-width.
  2. Place your feet straight behind you while you tighten your abs and engage the hips. Your hips should not dip or elevate too high during the movement.
  3. Slowly lower yourself towards the bench. Once your upper arms are parallel with the floor, pause, and return to the starting position.
Primary muscle group(s):
Chest
Secondary:
Triceps
  1. Set a barbell in a weight rack at the low end of a decline bench, making sure it is at a height you can reach without fully extending your arms.
  2. Secure your feet under the stirrup, bar or strap at the high end of the bench and lie flat on your back with the rack slightly behind you.
  3. Using an overhand grip, grip the bar with your hands slightly wider than your shoulder width apart.
  4. Push up to lift the bar from the rack and hold it directly over you with your arms locked.
  5. Bend your elbows to slowly lower the barbell until it slightly touches your chest, inhaling as you do so.
  6. Drive the weight back up by contracting your pec muscles and return to the start position, exhaling as you do so.
  7. At the top of the movement, lock your arms and squeeze your chest muscles.

If you are new at this exercise, you should use a spotter. If no spotter is available, then be conservative with the amount of weight used. Do not  let the bar drift too far forward, it should touch down your lower chest only. Don't bounce the weight off your chest. Keep full control of the barbell at all times. When performing this exercise, use a 2:1:1 count. That is a count of two on the downward movement. Pause for a count of one. A count of one one the upward movement. You can also use dumbbells or exercise bands to perform this exercise.

Primary muscle group(s):
Chest, Triceps
Secondary:
Abs, Shoulders
  1. Place a pair of dumbbells on the floor next to a decline bench. Secure yourself in the bench. Pick up dumbbells and hold them above you with a slight bend in the elbow.
  2. Keeping the dumbbells in line with your chest, slowly open up your arms to the sides.
  3. Stop when your upper arms are parallel with the floor.
  4. Squeeze your chest muscles and slowly return to starting position. Repeat.
Rest
0:00
next up
Push-ups
Next
Push-ups
2 sets
12 reps
45 sec rest
Set 1 of 2
Rest before next set
Get ready
321GO
Hands off push ups - bring your hands off the floor after each descent.
Primary muscle group(s):
Chest
Secondary:
Abs, Shoulders, Triceps
  1. Get into position by placing your hands flat on the floor, directly below your shoulders.
  2. Extend your legs out behind you, with only your toes and balls of your feet touching the floor.
  3. Hold your body up and keep your back straight by tightening your abdominal muscles.
  4. Your neck and head should be bent slightly back.
  5. Lower your chest towards the ground by bending your elbows until your chest is just above the ground or you feel a stretching of your chest and shoulders. Hold for a count of one.
  6. Press upwards from your chest and shoulders, straightening your arms as you return to the starting position. Hold for a count of one.
  7. Repeat.
Rest
0:00
next up
Single-Arm Overhead Dumbbell Squats
Next
Single-Arm Overhead Dumbbell Squats
3 sets
20 reps
Set 1 of 3
Rest before next set
Get ready
321GO
Aim to bring your hips down to your knee line! 10 per arm per set.
Primary muscle group(s):
Glutes & Hip Flexors, Quadriceps
Secondary:
Calves, Hamstrings
  1. Place a firm grip on an appropriately weighted dumbbell. Before driving the dumbbell above your head, make sure that your core is tight and your chest is up.
  2. Push the dumbbell straight above your head, locking out your elbow, (if the dumbbell can’t be driven above your head without difficulty, it’s too heavy and needs to be reduced)
  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 the dumbbell fixed overhead throughout the entire movement.
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 the 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 on an appropriately weighted plate. Before driving the 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 the 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
Single Arm Dumbbell Bench Rows
Next
Single Arm Dumbbell Bench Rows
3 sets
24 reps
60 sec rest
Set 1 of 3
Rest before next set
Get ready
321GO
Work that back! 12 per arm per set.
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 performed  using a cable station, with a stirrup handle attached to either the high or low pulley.

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):
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.
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 the water bottles to the starting point.
Rest
0:00
next up
Seated Dumbbell Concentration Curls
Next
Seated Dumbbell Concentration Curls
3 sets
20 reps
60 sec rest
Set 1 of 3
Rest before next set
Get ready
321GO
Aim to tense your bicep at the top of the movement. 10 per arm per set.
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 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. Set up a preacher curl bench making sure that the seat is set at the right height for you. The seat shouldn’t be so low that you need to raise your shoulders, or so high that you need to lean over the support pad.
  2. Rest you arms on the support pad with your triceps near the top and your elbows midway down the pad.
  3. Grip the EZ curl bar with an underhand grip at shoulder width.
  4. Curl the bar in towards your chin and upper chest in a single smooth arc. Hold for a count of one.
  5. Lower the bar by extending your arms back to the starting position.

This exercise is designed to isolate and focus attention on the biceps. Therefore, resistance is stronger at the start of each repetition. So when you begin each repetition, don't explode upwards too quickly!

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
Single Arm Dumbbell Tricep Extensions
Next
Single Arm Dumbbell Tricep Extensions
3 sets
20 reps
60 sec rest
Set 1 of 3
Rest before next set
Get ready
321GO
Flex the tricep for a full second at the top of each rep. 10 per arm per set.
Primary muscle group(s):
Shoulders, Triceps
  1. Sit on a bench while holding a dumbbell in your left hand with an overhand grip. Tighten your core and straighten your lower back. Lift the dumbbell to shoulder height.
  2. Push the dumbbell overhead with your palm facing forward. Keep the upper arm in place. Slowly bend at the elbow and lower the weight behind your head.
  3. Push the dumbbell back up over your head squeezing the tricep muscle. Immediately begin the next repetition. Switch sides once you have completed all repetitions.
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.
Rest
0:00
next up
Dumbbell Snatch
Next
Dumbbell Snatch
1 sets
50 reps
Set 1 of 1
Rest before next set
Get ready
321GO
Workout finisher! Go for 25 per arm, fast.
Primary muscle group(s):
Upper Back & Lower Traps
Secondary:
Glutes & Hip Flexors, Quadriceps
  1. Stand over a dumbbell with your feet placed slightly wider than hip width apart either side of the dumbbell.
  2. Squat down and take a firm grip of the dumbbell; ensure that your shoulders are positioned upright, keeping your back straight and eyes straight ahead.
  3. Explosively lift the dumbbell by extending your hips from the squatting position and allow the dumbbell to travel along upward and close to your body.
  4. As the dumbbell reaches your hip level, shrug your lifting shoulder and pull the dumbbell upwards keeping the same line of trajectory if viewed from the side.
  5. Bending your working elbow and allowing the dumbbell to extend overhead, slightly squat your body below so that your position is semi-squatted with your working arm fully extended above your head.
  6. Maintaining a solid grip on the now overhead dumbbell, drive your feet into the floor and rise upwards from the semi-squatting position to complete the lift.

This exercise is a complicated explosive lift. If attempting for the first time, start with a light dumbbell for form practice. Ideally, do so with a qualified trainer present.

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