{"id":498,"date":"2021-08-06T16:03:55","date_gmt":"2021-08-06T15:03:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hourglass.mage2.roarserver.com\/academy\/?p=498"},"modified":"2021-09-28T12:09:45","modified_gmt":"2021-09-28T11:09:45","slug":"9-dumbbell-exercises-for-women","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hourglassfit.com\/academy\/9-dumbbell-exercises-for-women\/","title":{"rendered":"9 Dumbbell Exercises for Women"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>If you\u2019re thinking about mixing up your training routine with some dumbbells, you\u2019re in the right place to get the best exercises.<\/p>\n<p>Dumbbells offer a great way to really put your body through its paces and sculpt some muscle in all the right places. Against trudging along on the treadmill or doing bodyweight workouts, picking up some dumbbells can help you carve out some serious gains and burn off that stubborn fat your body keeps hanging onto.<\/p>\n<p>So where do you start when it comes to dumbbell exercises? In this article, we\u2019ll detail why you should work out with them and list the best dumbbell exercises for women. So, keep reading to find out more!<\/p>\n<h2>Why work out with dumbbells?<\/h2>\n<p>The humble dumbbell is often overlooked in the gym in favor of kettlebells, barbells and actual machines. However, dumbbell exercises are amongst the simplest and most effective things to do, to add challenge and resistance to your workouts.<\/p>\n<p>Dumbbells are commonly used for joint-isolation exercises like bicep curls, however they can offer a variety of strength outcomes, plus boost cardiovascular fitness and flexibility.<\/p>\n<p>On a practical level, a pair of dumbbells are fairly inexpensive. They\u2019re also virtually indestructible, and, if you\u2019re a fan of home workouts, they\u2019re quite easy to store away out of sight.<\/p>\n<p>Dumbbells can work specific muscles but there are also multiple exercises you can do with them to boost everyday functional movements such as carrying heavy bags of shopping or catching the kids if they fall off a swing!<\/p>\n<p>Training with dumbbells also helps to improve muscle imbalances that you may have developed from other sports or everyday movements. You can use them to update your workouts and keep your muscles constantly growing. Dumbbells also allow for a greater range of motion while working out, stimulating your muscles in ways no other equipment can.<\/p>\n<p>In a nutshell, the benefits of training with dumbbell include: <div class=\"usp usp--standard\">\n<ul>\n<li>Boosted functional strength<\/li>\n<li>Eliminates strength imbalances<\/li>\n<li>Better joint health<\/li>\n<li>Ideal for training at home<\/li>\n<li>Versatile and inexpensive <\/div><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>What exercises can you do with a dumbbell? Most importantly, which are best for women? We take a look.<\/p>\n<h2>9 Top Dumbbell Exercises for Women<\/h2>\n<p>Give these exercises a go to add some tone to your upper body, midsection and legs. If you\u2019re new to dumbbell training, be sure to follow the directions carefully or consult a fitness coach to avoid any injuries.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"has-inline-color has-hourglass-purple-color\">1. Floor Chest Press<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Trains:<\/strong>\u00a0Pecs, triceps, shoulders<\/p>\n<p><strong>Rep count:\u00a0<\/strong>10-12 reps<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Hold a dumbbell in each hand and lay down on your back, placing your feet flat on the floor with your knees facing upwards.<\/li>\n<li>Hold your weights by your shoulders and slowly extend your arms up towards the ceiling. Pause at the top and extend the weights back down towards your shoulders. Repeat.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Dumbbell Floor Press\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/z9pbIdHzwXw?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"has-inline-color has-hourglass-purple-color\">2. Dumbbell Deadlift<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Trains:<\/strong>\u00a0Quads, calves, hamstrings, core, lats, triceps<\/p>\n<p><strong>Rep count:<\/strong>\u00a015 reps<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>With a dumbbell in each hand, stand facing forwards with both feet flat on the floor.<\/li>\n<li>Keeping your legs straight, bend at the hips to lower the dumbbells towards the ground and reach to just below knee height. Stand back up to the starting position, engaging your glute and core muscles as you move. Repeat.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"The Dumbbell Deadlift\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/JNpUNRPQkAk?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"has-inline-color has-hourglass-purple-color\">3. Bent Over Row<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Trains:<\/strong>\u00a0Back, glutes, biceps<\/p>\n<p><strong>Rep count:<\/strong>\u00a012 reps<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Get a dumbbell in each hand and stand straight with feet flat on the floor. Bend your chest towards your feet, soften your knees and extend your arms.<\/li>\n<li>Engage your bicep and tricep muscles, row your arms inwards and tense when the dumbbells are near your ribs. Repeat.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Dumbbell Bent Over Row\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/wXXjkxKKMlM?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"has-inline-color has-hourglass-purple-color\">4. Glute Bridge<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Trains:<\/strong>\u00a0Glutes, abs, hamstrings<\/p>\n<p><strong>Rep count:<\/strong>\u00a013-15 reps<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Lying on the floor, bring a dumbbell to rest on your lower stomach \/ hip area and your knees facing upwards. Brace your glute muscles and hold the dumbbell with both hands so it doesn\u2019t fall off.<\/li>\n<li>Bring your hips up as high as you can towards the ceiling. Hold for three seconds, clenching your muscles, return to the floor and repeat. Make sure you focus on raising your pelvic area and, in order to avoid arching your lower back, engage your stomach.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Dumbbell Glute Bridge\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/PSMW7iSi2BU?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<ol start=\"5\">\n<li>\n<h3><span class=\"has-inline-color has-hourglass-purple-color\">Bulgarian Split Squat<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><strong>Trains:<\/strong>\u00a0Glutes, upper legs<\/p>\n<p><strong>Extra equipment needed:<\/strong> A sofa or bench<\/p>\n<p><strong>Rep count:\u00a0<\/strong>10 reps on each side<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Get into a forward lunge position with one foot resting on the bench behind you and the other in front of you, far enough away so that you can drop yourself into a squat. Place your dumbbell under your chin, holding it with both hands.<\/li>\n<li>Engage your core, keep your chest upright and hips square to your body then lower your body until your front thigh is practically horizontal. Ensure you knee is in line with your foot and don\u2019t let it extend over your toes. Return to the starting position while driving through your front heel.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Bulgarian Split Squat\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/D9lFlxoInFk?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"has-inline-color has-hourglass-purple-color\">6. Russian Twist<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Trains:\u00a0<\/strong>Obliques, abs<\/p>\n<p><strong>Rep count:<\/strong>\u00a015 reps (one rep is a twist on each side)<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Get on the floor in a \u2018V\u2019 position and hold it steadily. Place your dumbbell in front of you.<\/li>\n<li>Slowly twist your waist left to right holding the dumbbell with both hands. Keep the movement slow and controlled to really test your abs.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Russian Twist\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/JyUqwkVpsi8?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<ol start=\"7\">\n<li>\n<h3>Dumbbell Box Step-Up<\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><strong>Trains:<\/strong>\u00a0Quads, glutes, hamstrings<\/p>\n<p><strong>Extra equipment needed:<\/strong>\u00a0Box (ideally knee-high)<\/p>\n<p><strong>Rep count:<\/strong>\u00a010 reps on each side<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Set up a box or bench and hold a dumbbell in each hand, palms facing in.<\/li>\n<li>Step up onto the box with your right leg and use your heel to straighten your leg. Bring your left leg up to meet your right knee. Step down back onto the floor with your left foot and follow with your right foot. Lead with one foot for 10 reps then repeat with the other leg for 10 more.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"How to Do Step-Ups\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/dQqApCGd5Ss?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<ol start=\"8\">\n<li>\n<h3><span class=\"has-inline-color has-hourglass-purple-color\">Overhead Press<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><strong>Trains:<\/strong> Shoulders, triceps, traps<\/p>\n<p><strong>Rep count<\/strong>: 10-12 reps<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Grab a dumbbell in each and hold them at shoulder height using an overhand grip. Stand with your feet facing forwards and brace your core.<\/li>\n<li>Raise the dumbbells above your head and pause at the top, bringing them back down to the starting position in a controlled motion. Repeat.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Standing Shoulder Press - Female\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/LKUkZWtxq1M?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ol start=\"9\">\n<li>\n<h3><span class=\"has-inline-color has-hourglass-purple-color\">Hammer Curl<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Trains:<\/strong> Biceps<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><strong>Rep count<\/strong>: 10 reps (each arm)<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Hold a pair of dumbbells at your side. Stand with your feet hip-width apart and chest upright.<\/li>\n<li>Keeping your upper arms still, bend at the elbows and curl the weights toward your shoulders. Bring the dumbbells back down to the starting position in a controlled motion and repeat.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Dumbbell Hammer Curls\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/P5sXHLmXmBM?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h2>Summary<\/h2>\n<p>If you don\u2019t own a pair of dumbbells, you might want to invest in some. They can be a saving grace if you can\u2019t make it to the gym for a workout.<\/p>\n<p>What\u2019s more, they make training a little more exciting. Since they have the capacity to go up in weight, you can overload your muscles and increase their growth and strength.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re just starting out with strength training, work out with dumbbells between two to three times a week. Incorporate a few of these dumbbell exercises for women into your regime alongside your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hourglassfit.com\/order\">Hourglass Fit supply<\/a> and you\u2019ll be well on your way to a firmer, toned physique!<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you\u2019re thinking about mixing up your training routine with some dumbbells, you\u2019re in the right place to get the best exercises. Dumbbells offer a great way to really put your body through its paces and sculpt some muscle in all the right places. Against trudging along on the treadmill or doing bodyweight workouts, picking [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":499,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6,8],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-498","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-fitness","category-workouts"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.hourglassfit.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/498","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.hourglassfit.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.hourglassfit.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hourglassfit.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hourglassfit.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=498"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.hourglassfit.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/498\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":599,"href":"https:\/\/www.hourglassfit.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/498\/revisions\/599"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hourglassfit.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/499"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.hourglassfit.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=498"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hourglassfit.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=498"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hourglassfit.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=498"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}