If you are anything like me, getting fit for 2021 means getting big arms as fast as possible. And since the world is still in lockdown, we have to grow big arms at home using the best dumbells. But as opposed to doing biceps curls only to have arms as big as Chris Hemsworth or Henry Cavill, try incorporating the below dumbbell exercises into your workout instead. These lesser-known dumbbell moves will build arm definition and strength way more efficiently than curls.
These relatively unknown dumbbell exercises will work the whole upper body: some will concentrate on the pecs (chest muscles), others will give you a good biceps or forearm pump. After all, having strong forearms can help you live longer, according to science.
- Best home gym equipment
- High-intensity home dumbbell workout from a four-time Tough Mudder world champion
What equipment will you need
As you might have guessed from the title, you will need at least one dumbbell to perform the below exercises. If you haven't got one just yet, we recommend getting an adjustable variety, such as the Bowflex Selecttech Series, as these type of home weights take up less space and better for progression too.
One of the below exercises requires you to use a weights bench: unfortunately, since the exercise in question is performed while the bench is set to a steep incline, we can't substitute with any other piece of furniture. Best places to shop around for weight benches are Mirafit and Wolverson Fitness in the UK and Best Buy and Dick's Sporting Goods in the US.
Alternatively, some (but not all) of these exercises can also be performed using a barbell, either an EZ curl bar (the one with a curved handle) or a straight bar. Admittedly, you would not only need the barbells but also bumper plates and those are not cheap and are on very limited supply at the moment.
As a last resort, you can also use kettlebells to perform these exercises.
How to properly fuel muscle growth
Muscle growth is not possible without supplying the body with the right type of fuel that helps muscle repair and growth. The most important macronutrient the body needs to grow muscle is protein. Protein should be supplied from a variety of sources, including lean meat, eggs, nuts, leafy green vegetables, tofu, etc.
A quick and convenient way to add extra protein to your diet is to have some protein powder (well, protein shake made from powder), protein bar or jerky in between meals and after workouts. For 'hard gainers', mass gainer supplements can also come in handy as these contain a lot of calories, carbs and protein in a liquid form, making it easier to consume.
Dumbbell pullover
This exercise works the pecs from a different angle than bench press and better still, you won't even need a weights bench either. Keep the core engaged by tilting your pelvis so the lower back touches the ground. Pull your heels up, the knees should be in a 45-degree angle. Hold the dumbbell securely with both hands and lock the elbows so the arms are straight all the way through the movement. Rotate the shoulder and focus on pulling the weight up with your pecs. The movement should be slow and controlled.
- Get big arms with push ups: follow these press up workout tips for big guns and a broad chest
- Research claims push ups are just as good as a bench press
Dumbbell spider curl
An unusual spin on the classic bicep curl, the spider curl is an ideal concentration exercise for the biceps when there are no preacher pads available. Have the backrest on the weight bench in a 45 or 60-degree angle and dig your feet in the ground. Wearing workout shoes can provide extra grip. You can lift one dumbbell at a time or both at the same time, depending on your skill level. Upper arm is stationary, only the lower arm moves to maximise biceps activation.
Plank bicep curl
It's a meathead thing to turn every exercise into biceps curls but in the case of plank going into bicep curls, the combination actually works. The idea is similar to renegade rows but as opposed to working the lats, this exercise activates the biceps instead. And the core, of course. Try not to rotate the hips too much as you curl: having a wider leg stance could help stabilising the body. When curling the dumbbells, rotate the hands to an underhand position for even more biceps activation.
Palms-down dumbbell wrist curl
Bodybuilders are just as obsessed with forearm girth as they are with calf circumference. There are loads of exercises focusing on these areas and despite what you might think, having a strong forearm has its benefits. For example, strong forearms could mean better grip strength and that can help you in a variety of ways (e.g. opening jars, the ultimate power move).
Alternating dumbbell floor press
The floor press is said to activate the pecs and triceps more as you can't rely on other muscles to push the weights up apart from those two. The floor press certainly activates those muscles more and because of this, similar results can be achieved using smaller weights than doing bench press.similar to dumbbell pullovers, activate the core by tilting the pelvis so the lower back touches the floor, legs are pulled up. The slower floor presses are done, the better muscles are activated (=quicker gains).
- Get bigger pecs: The ultimate workout for a beastly chest with pecs appeal
- Two-day push-pull upper body workout
