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Intermediate Dumbbell Upper Body Muscle Power

27 min
 · 
6 exercises

Intermediate upper body power session with dumbbells — 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 upper body muscle, tone up, and power through every set!

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
Plank to Push-Up exercise illustration
Plank to Push-Up
2 sets
30 secs
30 sec rest
Alternate your sides with every rep, if these are too tough, use your knees to help!
0:30 rest
Dumbbell Biceps Curl to Shoulder Press exercise illustration
Dumbbell Biceps Curl to Shoulder Press
3 sets
45 secs
45 sec rest
Use a weight that creates a healthy burn at 45 seconds!
0:30 rest
Single Arm Dumbbell Bench Rows exercise illustration
Single Arm Dumbbell Bench Rows
3 sets
20 reps
60 sec rest
Go for 10 heavier reps per side per set!
1:00 rest
Alternating Dumbbell Press exercise illustration
Alternating Dumbbell Press
3 sets
20 reps
60 sec rest
Another 10 reps per side per set!
1:00 rest
Bench Tricep Dips exercise illustration
Bench Tricep Dips
3 sets
30 secs
30 sec rest
Finish up by giving those triceps a healthy burn!

About this workout

Intermediate Dumbbell Upper Body Muscle Power is a free 27 min workout plan with 6 illustrated exercises for your triceps, abs, arms and back. 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: 27 min
  • Exercises: 6
  • Training focus: Triceps, abs, arms and back
  • 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 Upper Body Muscle Power take?

The full workout takes about 27 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, abs, biceps, lower back, upper back & lower traps, 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 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 Upper Body Muscle Power
27 min
 · 
6 exercises
Intermediate upper body power session with dumbbells — 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 upper body muscle, tone up, and power through every set!
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
Plank to Push-Up
Next
Plank to Push-Up
Plank to Push-Up exercise illustration
2 sets
30 secs
30 sec rest
Set 1 of 2
Rest before next set
Get ready
321GO
Alternate your sides with every rep, if these are too tough, use your knees to help!
Primary muscle group(s):
Abs, Shoulders
  1. Start in the plank position with your elbows shoulder-width apart.
  2. Press yourself up from the floor one arm at a time into a push-up, maintaining your body in a straight line.
  3. Slowly return to the starting plank position the same way, one arm at a time.
  4. Repeat the movement alternating sides.
Primary muscle group(s):
Abs
  1. Lock yourself in the plank position ensuring that your body forms a straight line from shoulders to heels.
  2. Bring your feet together and simultaneously transfer your weight onto your left arm.
  3. Allow your feet to slowly tip over as your body rolls into a side plank in a controlled fashion.
  4. Reverse the motion back to the full plank before transferring to your right side.
Primary muscle group(s):
Abs
  1. Get into a face down position on the floor supporting your upper body on your forearms. Your elbows should be bent at 90 degrees.
  2. Extend your legs straight out behind you, supporting them on your toes and balls of your feet.
  3. Keep your body in a straight line by tightening your abdominal and oblique muscles.
  4. Hold for as long as possible.

For extra balance training and core strengthening, you can lift one arm or leg.

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
3 sets
45 secs
45 sec rest
Set 1 of 3
Rest before next set
Get ready
321GO
Use a weight that creates a healthy burn at 45 seconds!
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
Single Arm Dumbbell Bench Rows
Next
Single Arm Dumbbell Bench Rows
Single Arm Dumbbell Bench Rows exercise illustration
3 sets
20 reps
60 sec rest
Set 1 of 3
Rest before next set
Get ready
321GO
Go for 10 heavier reps per side 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
Alternating Dumbbell Press
Next
Alternating Dumbbell Press
Alternating Dumbbell Press exercise illustration
3 sets
20 reps
60 sec rest
Set 1 of 3
Rest before next set
Get ready
321GO
Another 10 reps per side per set!
Primary muscle group(s):
Chest
Secondary:
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. Keeping your right arm stationary, slowly bend your left elbow until it reaches a 90-degree angle and your upper left arm is parallel to the ground.
  4. Push the weight back up by contracting your chest and straightening your arm.
  5. Repeat the same motion with your right arm while now keeping your left arm locked in position.
Rest
0:00
next up
Bench Tricep Dips
Next
Bench Tricep Dips
Bench Tricep Dips exercise illustration
3 sets
30 secs
30 sec rest
Set 1 of 3
Rest before next set
Get ready
321GO
Finish up by giving those triceps a healthy burn!
Primary muscle group(s):
Triceps
Secondary:
Shoulders
  1. Sit on a chair with your hands either next to your hips or slightly under the hips.
  2. Lift up onto your hands and bring your hips forward.
  3. Bend your elbows and lower your hips down, keeping shoulders down and hips close to the chair.
  4. Push back up but don’t lock your elbows and repeat.
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.
Workout done!
Exercises done
of 6
Total time
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