4 reasons to try a dumbbell upper body workout
Dumbbell upper body workouts increased in popularity during COVID-19, thanks to the fact that with just one set of dumbbells you can complete a pretty hefty workout.
The humble dumbbell is one of the most popular free weights that most people have around their home. And for those who don’t have a set, the dumbbell can be replaced by items like litre bottles of water or any other household item that holds weight. You’ll find dumbbells in every gym, so having a good dumbbell workout up your sleeve can allow you to train anywhere.
Since COVID, dumbbell workouts have been praised over machine upper body workouts and have become a regular feature in most people’s routine. Here are our 4 reasons you should have a solid dumbbell upper body workout on your roster.
Dumbbell upper body workouts only need one piece of equipment
A challenging workout can be completed with a set of dumbbells, and you can work a range of muscles using only one piece of equipment. No need for a gym or even a bench, the dumbbell is one of the most versatile gym weights for any kind of workout.
They’re also ideal for at home workouts as they don’t take up space. You can pop your dumbbells in a cupboard or to the side of your bedroom and they won’t clutter your space like many other pieces of fitness equipment.
You’ll build upper body strength using just a dumbbell
There are so many exercises you can do using only a dumbbell, and with repetitive training you can build upper body strength in no time.
Some of upper body exercises that are popular to do with a set of dumbbells are:
- Bicep curls
- Overhead press
- Chest press
- Tricep extensions
- Upright row
- Bent over row
- Skull crusher
- Lateral raises
- Front raises
You’ll build core strength
One of the benefits of using dumbbells over machine weights is that you can build other muscle groups like abs and core strength. Many people opt for machine weights, as you can typically lift more. However, that’s normally because you’re activating less of the muscle and using the momentum from the machine to help you lift.
With free weights, however, it’s just you and the weight meaning that you build more overall body strength. The only thing you need to watch out for is technique, as free weights like dumbbells aren’t fixed in nature it’s easier to overstretch or lift too heavy and hurt yourself. That’s where online workout videos and fitness apps like Steppen can be really helpful to guide your technique.
Dumbbell upper body workouts can be done in any space
Upper body dumbbell workouts are ideal for those without a gym membership as you only need a set of dumbbells. You can build strength from the comfort of your own home, garden or local park.
Plus, a dumbbell upper body workout pairs well with HIIT and cardio, as you’re not using your leg muscles in the strength training.
Browse dumbbell workout on Steppen
Steppen has a range of dumbbell workouts for any fitness level. Whether you’re looking for an upper body workout to tone the chest, shoulders and arms, or an all body workout that uses free weights, we’ve got you covered.
Download the Steppen App to explore our library of 1000’s of dumbbell workouts.
