Close up of woman's arm with dumbbell.
Fitness Equipment - Home Training / Gym - Strength

The Best Dumbbell Workouts at Home

Wondering what the best dumbbell workouts at home are? This guide explores home workout ideas for you to use dumbbells. Plus we’ve included a specific workout plan for beginners to get into using dumbbells for their full-body exercises. Dumbbells are a great tool for a full-body workout as they allow you to build your strength and create muscles. And they are also a great tool for losing weight. That’s why they are perfect to get your body to look just how you want. Whether you want to tone and lose weight, or bulk up and build muscle, dumbbells will do exactly what you want. All you need to do is pick the right dumbbells and do the right exercises.

If you’re considering what types of dumbbells are ideal for you then you’ll want to consider your fitness goals and home workout space. However, if you’re still unsure as to which dumbbells are for you, then check out the quick quiz below. This will take you through your options, so that you can find out what will work best for you. From here you can get an idea for the best dumbbells to start off with!


Breaking Down Your Dumbbell Quiz Results:

Adjustable Dumbbells: Need a weight that offers you the option to increase your strength while conserving your home space. Adjustable dumbbells will allow you to change the weight of your dumbbell as you go along with your weight workouts. Plus, if you have a limit on storage space, then this option is going to be perfect to keep your weights out of the way. Check these adjustable dumbbells out if you’re interested!

Neoprene Dumbbells: If you’re getting started with using weights, or you are interested in muscle toning then this light-weight option could be just what you need. These weights are ideal for exercises such as yoga or pilates. And, when you want to put them away the variety of fun colours that you can have make them a great pop of colour in any room. These neoprene dumbbells are perfect for this!

Rubber Hex Dumbbells: These dumbbells will work best for you if your focus is to build your strength. The hex shape makes them the perfect shape for you to store on any surface making them easy to put away. And, the rubber coating of them ensures that you won’t scratch up any of your surfaces. If this is what you’re looking for then check these rubber hex dumbbells out!

Home Workout Ideas: Dumbbell Workouts With No Weight Bench

Having a weight bench in your home gym or living areas may not be a realistic option for you. That’s why we want to reassure you that you don’t need one to get your dumbbell routines started. In fact, if you’re a beginner then going without a weight bench can be an easier way to get you started. 

That’s why if you’re planning on trying out the recommended workouts in this guide, then you’ll need an exercise mat to replace the weight bench. Having an exercise mat will allow you to have a comfortable and clean base to workout from. This will ensure that you can protect your joints and muscles when you’re using your weights.

Once you’re used to your floor workouts, you may be looking to up the difficulty of your exercises. At this point, you may want to consider adding a stepper to your workouts. This fitness equipment is perfect to increase the difficulty of any leg routines you have in mind. Plus, they are a great tool to incorporate for your warm-ups.

Of course, once you feel ready for it and assuming you have the space to do so, you can always choose to incorporate a weight bench. While a weight bench isn’t a necessary tool for your dumbbell routines, they are a great addition to your routines once you’re ready to progress.

Best Dumbbell Workouts for Beginners: Full-Body Exercise Plan

Dumbbells, towel, and bottle resting on an exercise mat as part of a home dumbbell workout.

So, if you’re ready to start your full-body dumbbell workouts at home then we’d recommend this week-long routine to get you into weights. This beginner plan is ideal for 3 days on and 4 off during the week. This is a great split to get you started and ensures that you’re giving your body the right amount of time to recover between workouts. This is super important as it is how you can best grow your muscles.

Day 1: Arm Day Dumbbell Workout for Home

  • Bicep Curls: Do 10 reps on each arm
  • Hammer Curls: Do 10 reps on each arm
  • Lateral Raises: Do 8 reps

Repeat the whole workout routine 3 times with a 60 second break in between sets Pro Tip: Using a mirror will allow you to keep an eye on your form. This is essential for you to accurately work your muscles and will allow you to get stronger faster. Check out this mirror for your home gym if you want to make sure you’re doing your dumbbell exercises correctly!

Day 2: Core Dumbbell Workout for Home

  • Dumbbell Russian Twists: Do 12 reps
  • Dumbbell Plank Drags: Do 10 reps
  • Overhead Sit-Ups: Do 12 reps 

Repeat the whole workout routine 4 times with a 60 second break in between sets Pro Tip: Make sure that you’re keeping your core engaged the entire time that you do these exercises. This means keeping your pelvis tucked in, breathing consistently, and clenching your abs.

Day 3: Leg Day Dumbbell Workout for Home

  • Bulgarian Split Squats: Do 10 reps on each leg
  • Weighted Goblet Squats: Do 12 reps
  • Weighted Step-Ups: Do 12 reps

Repeat the whole workout routine 3 times with a 60 second break in between sets Pro Tip: Keep your squats deep and low. Make sure that your knee lowers to touch the mat below you when you do your bulgarian split squats.

In Conclusion…

We hope you can see why incorporating dumbbells into your home workout routines is a great option. Whether you’re building your strength, losing weight, or just wanting to get that extra burn on your days away from the gym. The dumbbell is a versatile tool for you to try out! So, next time you’re adding to your home gym collection, consider checking out dumbbells! And when you’re ready, you can come back to this best dumbbell workouts at home guide to start off!

Close-up of dumbbells, kettlebell, and other equipment for a dumbbell home workout.

Similarly, you may be interested to try out our kettlebell workout routines. Check out this blog to start off: Beginner Kettlebell Workout: Benefits, Basics, and Full Body Routines.