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The Simple Home Upper Dumbbell Builder! 💪

43 min
 · 
9 exercises

Here we have a dumbbell/water bottle circuit to make you sweat! Each row of 3 exercises is a different circuit (A, B, and C). Complete each row 3 times through, only resting when you complete workout C. Take 2 minutes to get yourself together before going again!

Single Arm Dumbbell Tricep Extensions exercise illustration A
10 per arm, if too difficult with the weight, use both arms
Plank Reaches exercise illustration A
Plank Reaches
3 sets
30 secs
Keep that back straight and control each reach. Remember, your neck should remain in line with your spine.
Standing Dumbbell Bicep Curls exercise illustration A
Standing Dumbbell Bicep Curls
3 sets
10 reps
2 min rest
Flex those biceps!
2:00 rest
Knee Push-ups exercise illustration B
Knee Push-ups
3 sets
12 reps
The further your knees are from your chest, the more difficult it is... make it difficult :D
Incline Plank Shoulder Taps exercise illustration B
Try to avoid rotating your body here, remain firm, locked and in control.
Standing Dumbbell Overhead Shoulder Press exercise illustration B
Standing Dumbbell Overhead Shoulder Press
3 sets
12 reps
2 min rest
Keep your back straight and chin up!
2:00 rest
Standing Two-Armed Bent Over Dumbbell Rows exercise illustration C
Keep your back straight. Pretend you're starting a lawn mower!
Plank Scapula Push Ups exercise illustration C
Plank Scapula Push Ups
3 sets
30 secs
There's no need to drop too low into these, only enough to work your scapulae.
Jumping Jacks exercise illustration C
Jumping Jacks
3 sets
32 reps
2 min rest
Big finish! Go go go!

About this workout

The Simple Home Upper Dumbbell Builder! 💪 is a free 43 min workout plan with 9 illustrated exercises for your core, 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: 43 min
  • Exercises: 9
  • Training focus: Core, 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 The Simple Home Upper Dumbbell Builder! 💪 take?

The full workout takes about 43 minutes, covering 9 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, triceps, abs, lower back, biceps, 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.

The Simple Home Upper Dumbbell Builder! 💪
43 min
 · 
9 exercises
Here we have a dumbbell/water bottle circuit to make you sweat! Each row of 3 exercises is a different circuit (A, B, and C). Complete each row 3 times through, only resting when you complete workout C. Take 2 minutes to get yourself together before going again!
Auto-advance Start exercises automatically
after a 5-second delay
Start workout Cancel workout
Single Arm Dumbbell Tricep Extensions
Single Arm Dumbbell Tricep Extensions exercise illustration
A
3 sets
20 reps
Circuit A • Set 1 of 3
Rest before next set
Get ready
321GO
10 per arm, if too difficult with the weight, use both arms
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.
Plank Reaches
Plank Reaches exercise illustration
A
3 sets
30 secs
Circuit A • Set 1 of 3
Rest before next set
Get ready
321GO
Keep that back straight and control each reach. Remember, your neck should remain in line with your spine.
Primary muscle group(s):
Abs, Lower Back
Secondary:
Shoulders
  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 yourself on your toes and balls of your feet.
  3. Keep your body in a straight line by tightening your abdominal and oblique muscles.
  4. When feeling secure, slowly lift one forearm off the floor while transferring the weight to your grounded forearm.
  5. Straighten the now-elevated arm out in front of you, reaching forward with your fingertips.
  6. Bring the elevated arm back in and to the floor, redistribute your weight, and repeat on the other side.
Standing Dumbbell Bicep Curls
Standing Dumbbell Bicep Curls exercise illustration
A
3 sets
10 reps
2 min rest
Circuit A • Set 1 of 3
Rest before next set
Get ready
321GO
Flex those biceps!
Primary muscle group(s):
Biceps
Secondary:
Abs, Forearms
  1. Holding a dumbbell 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 dumbbells up towards your shoulders. Do not swing your hips to get the weight moving.
  5. Continue raising the dumbbells 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 dumbbells to the starting position.
  8. Repeat.

You can also perform this exercise by alternating between left and right arms or one arm at a time.

Primary muscle group(s):
Biceps
Secondary:
Forearms
  1. Stand straight holding a barbell with an underhand grip, your hands shoulder width apart and your arms fully extended towards the floor.
  2. Keep your elbows close to your sides.Your palms should be facing away from you. This is the start position.
  3. Keeping your upper arms stationary, curl the barbell forward and up in a smooth arcing motion while exhaling. Only your forearms should move.
  4. Continue upwards until  the bar is at shoulder level with your biceps fully contracted. Hold for a count of one while squeezing your biceps.
  5. Inhale as you return to the starting position.
  6. Repeat.

This exercise can be performed using a cable station, with a straight bar attachment connected to the lower pulley.

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. 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.
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.
Rest
0:00
next up
Circuit B - Knee Push-ups, Incline Plank Shoulder Taps, Standing Dumbbell Overhead Shoulder Press
Next
Knee Push-ups
Knee Push-ups exercise illustration
B
3 sets
12 reps
Circuit B • Set 1 of 3
Rest before next set
Get ready
321GO
The further your knees are from your chest, the more difficult it is... make it difficult :D
Primary muscle group(s):
Chest
Secondary:
Abs, Shoulders, Triceps
  1. Come to the ground on your knees. Tighten your core and maintain a flat back.
  2. Position your hands on the ground in front of you, directly below your shoulders. Cross your feet in the back.
  3. Lower your chest towards the ground. Bend your elbows at a 60-degree angle until your chest is just above the ground. You should feel a stretch across your chest. Hold for a count of one.
  4. Without locking your elbows, push yourself back to the starting position by straightening your arms.
Primary muscle group(s):
Chest
Secondary:
Abs, Shoulders, Triceps
  1. Place a pair of dumbbells on the floor. Lie on your back in between the dumbbells. Bend your knees and move your feet towards your butt.
  2. Grab the dumbbells and hold them above you. Allow your upper arms to remain on the floor. Begin the movement by pushing the dumbbells over your chest. Pause at the top and squeeze your chest muscles.
  3. Slowly bring the weights down to the starting position, allowing your arms to rest for a brief moment before beginning the next repetition.
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.
Incline Plank Shoulder Taps
Incline Plank Shoulder Taps exercise illustration
B
3 sets
30 secs
Circuit B • Set 1 of 3
Rest before next set
Get ready
321GO
Try to avoid rotating your body here, remain firm, locked and in control.
Primary muscle group(s):
Abs, Shoulders
Secondary:
Lower Back
  1. Using a stable bench or chair, lock yourself into the plank push-up position ensuring that your body forms a straight line from shoulders to heels.
  2. Keeping your neck in line with your body, bring your right arm off the surface and touch your left shoulder before placing it back on the bench or chair.
  3. Repeat the same movement for the opposing arm maintaining a strong core and straight back. 

Be sure to use a sturdy chair/bench

Standing Dumbbell Overhead Shoulder Press
Standing Dumbbell Overhead Shoulder Press exercise illustration
B
3 sets
12 reps
2 min rest
Circuit B • Set 1 of 3
Rest before next set
Get ready
321GO
Keep your back straight and chin up!
Primary muscle group(s):
Shoulders
Secondary:
Abs, Neck & Upper Traps, Triceps
  1. Holding a dumbbell in each hand, stand straight, with your feet shoulder width apart.
  2. Raise the dumbbells 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 dumbbells straight up, ehaling as you do so.
  5. As your arms reach the fully extended position, bring them in towards each other until the dumbbels 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:
Chest
  1. From a push-up position push your glutes upwards and walk your feet in so that you are in a downward-dog pose.
  2. The shape of your body should look like a triangle from the side.
  3. Lower your shoulders towards the ground by bending your elbows.
  4. Allow your forehead to very lightly make contact with the ground before pushing upwards and away back into the starting position.
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
  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):
Chest, Shoulders
Secondary:
Triceps
  1. Holding a water bottle in each hand, stand straight, with your feet shoulder width apart.
  2. Raise the 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 the 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.
Rest
0:00
next up
Circuit C - Standing Two-Armed Bent Over Dumbbell Rows, Plank Scapula Push Ups, Jumping Jacks
Next
Standing Two-Armed Bent Over Dumbbell Rows
Standing Two-Armed Bent Over Dumbbell Rows exercise illustration
C
3 sets
16 reps
Circuit C • Set 1 of 3
Rest before next set
Get ready
321GO
Keep your back straight. Pretend you're starting a lawn mower!
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 performed  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 the 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.
Plank Scapula Push Ups
Plank Scapula Push Ups exercise illustration
C
3 sets
30 secs
Circuit C • Set 1 of 3
Rest before next set
Get ready
321GO
There's no need to drop too low into these, only enough to work your scapulae.
Primary muscle group(s):
Shoulders, Upper Back & Lower Traps
Secondary:
Abs, Chest, Lower Back
  1. Get yourself in the standard push-up position either on a yoga mat or workout surface
  2. Aim to maintain a neutral spine, while keeping your chin tucked, and then place your elbows on the mat directly beneath your shoulders
  3. Keeping your core tight, allow your chest to slowly lower towards the ground. Keep your back straight, not allowing it to sink
  4. Continue to lower your chest as your rear shoulder blades come closer together, then, forcefully drive your elbows and forearms into the ground to push your chest back into that neutral position
Jumping Jacks
Jumping Jacks exercise illustration
C
3 sets
32 reps
2 min rest
Circuit C • Set 1 of 3
Rest before next set
Get ready
321GO
Big finish! Go go go!
Primary muscle group(s):
Glutes & Hip Flexors, Quadriceps
Secondary:
Abs, Calves, Hamstrings, Shoulders
  1. Stand with your feet together, arms fully extended with your hands by your sides. This is the start position.
  2. Bend your knees slightly then straighten and push through the balls of your feet while straightening your your knees to jump up spreading your legs to wider than hip width apart.
  3. As you do so, raise both arms out and up in a smooth arc until your hands meet above your head.
  4. As you return to the ground, bring your feet together and your hands back to your sides with your arms fully extended.
  5. Continue without pause for the desired amount of time or repetitions.

This exercise can be performed as a timed exercise, completing as many reps as possible in a set time or, in sets with a fixed number of repetitions per set. To increase intensity, bend your arms slightly as you raise them to engage your biceps and triceps and squeezing them during each rep.

Workout done!
Exercises done
of 9
Total time
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