Fitness
Exercises with dumbbells: 8 best moves to tone arms
Strengthen and tone your arms to perform daily activities with ease. All you have to do is incorporate these arm exercises with dumbbells in your workout routine.
Toning your arms may be one of your aesthetic goals. But you should not aim to have toned and strong arms just because they look good. They are essential in making daily tasks like lifting and carrying things easier. Even reaching the top shelf needs the help of well-defined arms. To gain them, you need to sweat it out. If you already have a fitness routine, add arm exercises with dumbbells to it. At most gyms, you will find many fixed dumbbells of varying weights. If working out at home is more your style then go for adjustable dumbbells. Having this type of dumbbell means you can add or remove the weighted plates as per your requirement.
Arm exercises with dumbbells: How it helps?
Maintaining arm strength and keeping them toned become increasingly important as we age. “Starting around age 35, muscle endurance and strength naturally begin to decline by about 1 percent each year. This gradual loss of muscle can result in decreased endurance, strength, limited range of motion and a higher risk of injury,” says physiotherapist and fitness expert Dr Aijaz Ashai.
To build and maintain muscle mass as well as strength, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends two days of muscle-strengthening activities every week. “Doing arm exercises can preserve strength, promote healthy movements, improve balance, and prevent injuries,” says the expert.
Dumbbells are a versatile tool for strengthening and toning arms. During a 2020 study published in Frontiers, dumbbell exercises led to a high level of muscle activation in the upper arm of participants. Here’s how dumbbells help build strong and toned arms:
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- Dumbbells provide resistance that challenges your muscles, encouraging growth and strength over time.
- With dumbbells, you can perform a wide range of exercises, which target different key muscles in the upper body, including biceps, and triceps.
- Dumbbells allow for one-sided exercises, helping correct muscle imbalances and ensuring both arms are equally strong.
- Increasing dumbbell weight over time promotes muscle growth and strength.
- Dumbbells allow a great range of motion, ensuring full muscle activation.
8 effective arm exercises with dumbbells
1. Bicep curl
- To do bicep curl that targets biceps, stand with dumbbells at your sides, with your palms facing forward.
- Curl the dumbbells up towards your shoulders.
- Lower them down slowly.
2. Hammer curl
- Hold the dumbbells with your palms facing one another.
- Bend your elbow to lift the weights targeting your forearms and biceps, and neutralise your wrists.
- Bring them down after a few seconds.
3. Tricep kickback
- Hold dumbbells in your hand with your palms facing each other, and keeping your knees little bent.
- Maintain a straight spine as you hinge forward at your waist.
- Bring your chest almost parallel to the ground.
- Keep your upper arms closer to your body with your head in line with your straight spine.
- Engage your triceps by keeping your elbows straight.
- Keep your upper arms still, and move just your forearms.
- Pause then return the weights to the first step.
4. Military press
- Make sure your palms are facing forward, as you hold a dumbbell above each shoulder.
- Press the dumbbells up, with the weights above your head, and your elbows bent a little bit.
- Hold the equipment above your head for a moment.
- Slowly lower the dumbbells back.
5. Lateral raise
- Stand with two dumbbells at your sides to target your shoulders.
- Raise your arms to shoulder height, where they form a “T” shape.
- Lower back to starting position very slowly.
6. Front raise
- Hold dumbbells in front of your thighs, and your palms facing down.
- Raise one dumbbell straight in front up to shoulder height.
- Follow the same steps using the other dumbbell then lower down.
7. Concentration curl
- Sit with dumbbells in each hand. Place the elbow of your arm you are holding the dumbbell onto on the inner thigh of your other leg.
- Focusing on your biceps, curl up and down on the dumbbell.
- Lean forward with dumbbells, and bend your elbows to 90 degrees
- Extend your arms behind you until they are straight.
- Go back to the starting point.
8. Dumbbell pullover
- Raise your arms with dumbbells toward the ceiling with your palms facing each other, and elbows slightly bent.
- Extend the dumbbells back and over your head.
- Take three seconds to reach a fully extended position where the dumbbells are behind your head.
- Return your arms to the starting position.

Arm exercises with dumbbells: Some tips to keep in mind
“While starting with arm exercises with dumbbells, aim for maximum repetitions with minimal weight. You can do three sets of 12 to 15 reps to help build endurance in your muscle fibers,” says Dr Ashai. Once you reach the endurance level, shift focus to strengthening your arm muscles, which will allow them to maintain strength for longer periods.
The weight of the dumbbell depends on the level of fitness among women. “Newcomers can start with 3 to 5 lbs, as light dumbbells will help them focus on form rather than the weight,” says the expert. People who are accustomed to exercises require 5 to 10 lbs. An advanced fitness enthusiast can go for 10 to 15 lbs or higher to tone arms.
Arm exercises with dumbbells: Who should avoid?
- People with injuries or limitations in the shoulder, elbow, or wrist area should not perform arm exercises with dumbbells without first clearing by a doctor or trainer.
- Back pain or posture problems can make it difficult for some people to do standing exercises, so go for a seated alternative.
- People with muscle pain should not lift weights.
You can incorporate arm exercises with dumbbells into a full-body workout. But listen to your body and rest if the muscles in your arms get sore. If you have any health conditions such as shoulder, elbow, or wrist injury, consult your doctor before starting these exercises.
Fitness
Adults hop on viral ‘rebounding’ trend to make exercise fun again — ‘I feel like a kid’
Forget boring home workouts, on-demand HITT classes and cold winter runs.
The latest wellness trend bouncing around TikTok involves a workout you might not even realize you’re doing, and that’s the point. It’s called rebounding. This low-impact exercise involves jumping on a mini fitness trampoline — called a rebounder — to get your heart pumping and support lymphatic drainage.
On Amazon, this best-selling model is currently on sale for just $129. It measures in at just 40 inches, making it ideal for small spaces while still offering room for an adult to jump, squat and jog in place. Users swear it gives them a seriously effective full-body workout, and many remark that it’s “so much fun” to use.
Clinical trials also back the benefits: a 12-week rebounding program for overweight women showed significant improvements in body composition as well as a decrease in diastolic blood pressure.
Ready to jump on the rebounding trend, too? You’d better hop on this Amazon deal fast.
This sleek rebounder by BCAN is sturdy and easy to set up, thanks to pre-assembled bungees and simpel video tutorial.
Reviewers say it’s completely changed their workouts, with one remarking they “feel like a little kid again.” Others have also noted it’s much easier on their joints than higher-impact exercises.
“It absorbs impact well and allows for a nice, smooth rebound that is gentle on the joints, making it perfect for a low-impact cardio workout,” one person explained. “Whether I’m doing high-intensity intervals or simply bouncing for fun, the movement feels fluid and responsive.
The BCAN model features an upgraded handlebar for added stability. It’s 8mm premium bungee — with a durable woven outer layer and a 350-strand natural latex core — delivers smooth, quiet bounces, so you can enjoy your workout without disturbing others.
This article was written by Miska Salemann, New York Post Commerce Writer/Reporter. As a health-forward member of Gen Z, Miska seeks out experts to weigh in on the benefits, safety and designs of both trending and tried-and-true fitness equipment, workout clothing, dietary supplements and more. Taking matters into her own hands, Miska intrepidly tests wellness products, ranging from Bryan Johnson’s Blueprint Longevity Mix to the viral Oura Ring to Jennifer Aniston’s favorite workout platform – often with her adorable toddler by her side. Before joining The Post, Miska covered lifestyle and consumer topics for the U.S. Sun and The Cannon Beach Gazette.
Fitness
Fitness trainer with 18 years of experience shares why exercise is crucial for kids: ‘Not just about health and fitness’
Exercise is often spoken about in the context of physical fitness – stronger muscles, better stamina and improved overall health. But its value, especially for children, extends far beyond the body. Regular physical activity can quietly shape character, teaching lessons about effort, patience, discipline and resilience that mirror how the real world works. From learning to cope with discomfort to understanding that progress takes time, exercise can become a powerful training ground for life itself.
Also Read | Chennai fitness trainer with 18 years of experience shares 5 simple things to focus on for long-term fitness
Chennai-based fitness trainer with 18 years of experience, Raj Ganpath – founder of the Slow Burn Method, co-founder and head coach at Quad Fitness, and author of Simple, Not Easy – is shedding light on why exercise is important for kids, with the benefits going beyond health and fitness. In an Instagram video shared on February 27, he explains how the impact of exercise extends far beyond physical wellness, shaping resilience, discipline and long-term character development.
Embracing discomfort
According to Raj, exercise is one of the healthiest ways to help children learn how to sit with discomfort in a safe, structured and sustainable way. Life inevitably brings challenges and unease – something adults understand well – but many children today are shielded from situations that test their resilience.
He explains, “Exercise is a great way to experience this discomfort in a safe and sustainable manner. Lifting weights, holding a plank, doing cardio, repping till it burns, all of these things are opportunities to embrace discomfort, opportunities to put themselves in a place where they’re not comfortable and learn from it, opportunities to practice physical and mental resilience.”
Learning hardship
The fitness trainer emphasises that hardship is an inevitable part of life, and meaningful success often requires pushing through moments of difficulty. While most adults recognise this truth through lived experience, children may not always have the same exposure to challenge. Raj believes exercise can bridge that gap.
He elaborates, “It will teach them that they need to do hard things if they want to accomplish something. Getting through a very hard workout, setting a goal and achieving it, completing a task. All of these things are not just random chores. These are incredible opportunities – opportunities to experience hardship and build fortitude.”
Delayed gratification
In today’s fast-paced world, the desire for instant gratification is stronger than ever – and children are growing up at the centre of it. With technology, streaming platforms and 10-minute delivery services, almost everything is available at the tap of a screen. As a result, the ability to wait, persist and work steadily towards a long-term goal can easily take a back seat. Exercise, notes Raj, offers a powerful counterbalance.
He explains, “Everyone wants everything right away today. This is true for us adults too, but it is even more true for our kids because this is the only world they know. A world where everything happens right then and right there, whenever they want it, wherever they want it. Exercise will teach them to wait, to be patient, to trust the process, to fail and still keep going, to work towards something larger that they will get much later. This is a very important character building quality and will serve them well for many, many years to come.”
The fitness trainer concludes, “Exercise is not just about health and fitness. It is a simulation of life itself. A ready-made character building tool available to you to help prepare your kids for life, the raw and real life that they’re going to have to deal with no matter what. So make sure they build the habit and make sure they embrace it.”
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. It is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.
Fitness
What Are “Movement Snacks”? How To Try This Trending Fitness Hack
The World Health Organization says the average adult is supposed to get 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity five days a week, which sounds somewhat doable until it’s 9 p.m., your kids are finally in bed, and you just want to fall onto the couch and dissociate. But more and more people online are talking about “movement snacks” — little bite-sized amounts of exercise you can do throughout your day to meet your 60-minute goal without having to make special time for one big workout. Because yes, we all want to be our healthiest, but sometimes a HIIT class at the gym is just not in the schedule.
We asked personal trainers and fitness coaches for their favorite movement snacks you can do in the office, around the house, and on busy weekends when everyone’s home.
How much exercise is a person really supposed to get?
While the WHO recommends 60 minutes a day, the CDC is a little more lax, recommending at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity a week, or about 30 minutes a day, five days a week. While it may feel like you’re the only one struggling to fit a workout into your daily routine, you’re far from alone. In fact, it’s always been hard for most Americans. So, while movement snacks may be a cute new term we’re all hearing for the first time, fitness pros have been promoting bite-sized exercise forever.
“I work with busy professionals, so I’ve been integrating micro workouts of two to 10 minutes into my clients’ lifestyles for almost 20 years,” says Andrea Marcellus, certified personal trainer and CEO of AND/life.
The most important thing for your health isn’t getting all your daily movement done in one big, perfectly curated workout — it’s about being consistent, Marcellus says. Movement snacks can help you stay consistent because you don’t have to budget a big chunk of time; instead, you can fit something simple into your day when you have three minutes to spare. Hell, you don’t even have to change clothes or go anywhere.
“Most people think movement only counts if it’s a workout. That mindset is what keeps people sedentary. In reality, your body doesn’t care if steps come from a hike, a gym session, or pacing when you’re on a call,” says Lindy Royer, physical therapist and balanced body educator. “This is where you win the game — by stacking movement into things you’re already doing.”
Movement Snacks To Try Throughout Your Day
- Set an alarm on your phone to chime every hour — that’s what women’s fitness coach Allison Kalsched tells her clients. When it goes off, stand up and do 10 bodyweight squats. Then go back to work. When you get tired of squats, mix in walking lunges, push-ups (it’s fine if they’re modified!), or dead bugs. Throw on 30 seconds of jumping jacks or high knees for bone-building benefits, which is important for women in menopause, she adds.
- Take a micro walk. “Five minutes or 500 steps is my absolute favorite,” says Dr. Milica McDowell, doctor of physical therapy, author of the forthcoming book Walk, and exercise physiologist at US Physical Therapy. “It changes mood, lowers blood pressure, boosts mental clarity, and can help you get your cumulative steps in.”
- Dance to your new favorite song with your kids or all by yourself. “Dance party was big with my kids after dinner,” Marcellus says. “It takes four to 10 mins and helps kids burn off dinner energy, while also giving parents a metabolic boost.”
- Stop and do 60 reps of any full-body exercise, like squats, lunges, or jumping jacks — this usually takes about two minutes, no matter which one you choose, Marcellus says. Or, hold a plank for one to two minutes.
- Pair walking with habits that already exist to get your steps in, like marching in place while brushing your teeth or doing a lap inside the house while your food is in the microwave. “This means you’re not adding time — you are upgrading your time,” says Royer.
- Count your housework. Sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, general domestic labor — these things totally contribute to your total exercise time each day, says Royer.
- If you go up or down the stairs at home, just… do it two or three times. That little extra here and there adds up, according to Royer.
The best advice is to focus not on “how can I move right now?” but “how can I do something that isn’t sitting right now?” Royer says. “The real truth that most people ignore is that sedentary time is the real enemy, not a lack of workouts. Focus on breaking up your sitting time. Build in frequent movement snacks. You’re not looking for perfection, just something more than nothing. You don’t need more time; you actually just need more conscious efforts to move.”
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