Dumbbell Arm Workout
A dumbbell arm session that builds both biceps and triceps, alternating curls and extensions for bigger, stronger arms with nothing but a pair of dumbbells.
Program Overview
This dumbbell arm workout trains both the biceps and triceps in one focused session, using nothing but a pair of dumbbells. It alternates curl and extension variations to hit the arms from multiple angles, building both the front and back of the upper arm for complete, balanced development. Remember that your triceps make up around two thirds of your arm, so this session gives them just as much attention as the biceps. Every exercise includes a form video.
Anyone wanting to add size to their arms with dumbbells, at home or in the gym. Great as an arm-focus day within your week.
Who Is This For?
This workout suits you if:
- You want bigger, stronger arms
- You have a pair of dumbbells
- You train at home or prefer dumbbells
- You want to train biceps and triceps together
Arms grow best alongside full-body training. Browse our dumbbell programs for complete routines.
Weekly Schedule
Phase 1: Build the Base (Weeks 1-4)
Run the session twice a week with a couple of days between. Alternate a biceps and a triceps movement, controlling every rep. These are smaller muscles, so focus on a strong squeeze over heavy weight.
Use weights you control for all reps with one or two in reserve. Add load whenever a movement feels comfortable across all sets.
Stand with a dumbbell in each hand, arms hanging at your sides with palms forward.
Hold a dumbbell in one hand and extend it overhead with your arm straight.
Rest your upper arm on the preacher pad, hold a dumbbell with palm up.
Bend forward with one hand on a bench, upper arm parallel to the floor.
Stand with a dumbbell in each hand, palms facing in.
Set a bench to 45-60 degrees and sit back with dumbbells hanging at your sides.
A brisk walk on your rest days to aid recovery and keep you active.
Light stretching and mobility for any areas that felt tight in your last session.
Phase 2: Add Intensity (Weeks 5-8)
Same session, now pushing closer to failure and adding a little weight or an extra rep wherever you can while keeping your form strict.
Beat your last week on at least one set of each exercise, whether that is more weight, a rep, or a cleaner tempo.
Stand with a dumbbell in each hand, arms hanging at your sides with palms forward.
Hold a dumbbell in one hand and extend it overhead with your arm straight.
Rest your upper arm on the preacher pad, hold a dumbbell with palm up.
Bend forward with one hand on a bench, upper arm parallel to the floor.
Stand with a dumbbell in each hand, palms facing in.
Set a bench to 45-60 degrees and sit back with dumbbells hanging at your sides.
A brisk walk on your rest days to aid recovery and keep you active.
Light stretching and mobility for any areas that felt tight in your last session.
Nutrition Guidance
Building muscle needs enough fuel and protein behind your training. Our macro calculator sets your calories and protein targets, and our recipes make hitting them easier. If you are choosing between programs, our guide on choosing the right plan for your goals is worth a read.
The Basics
- Calories: Eat in a slight surplus of 250 to 500 calories per day to build muscle while minimizing fat gain. Our macro calculator sets your starting point.
- Protein: 1.6 to 2.2g per kg of bodyweight daily to drive recovery and muscle growth. Browse our recipes for ideas.
- Hydration: Drink water consistently, especially on training days.
- Sleep: Seven to nine hours per night. Muscle is built during recovery, not during the session.
Use the macro calculator to set your calories and protein for your goal, then track your bodyweight as a weekly average and adjust in small increments based on the trend.
