The Best Free Weights Exercises

Top Exercises

Dumbbell Side Bend

Beginner / Dumbbells / Abs / isolation

A core exercise targeting the obliques. It improves lateral spinal mobility and strengthens the abdominal wall against lateral forces.

Dumbbell Seated Alternate Biceps Curl

Beginner / Dumbbells / Biceps / pull

A unilateral bicep isolation exercise that allows for perfect focus on each arm. The seated position removes the ability to use leg momentum.

Dumbbell RDL Death March

Intermediate / Dumbbells / Hamstrings / isolation

A dynamic variation of the Romanian Deadlift. It targets the hamstrings and glutes while improving balance and unilateral hip stability through a walking pattern.

Dumbbell Reverse Grip Biceps Curl

Beginner / Dumbbells / Biceps / pull

An isolation exercise targeting the forearms and brachialis. The overhand grip builds grip strength and increases the thickness of the outer arm area.

Dumbbell Reverse Grip Row

Beginner / Dumbbells / Back / pull

A back exercise that increases bicep activation and targets the lower lats. The underhand grip promotes a deeper pull and mid-back thickness.

Dumbbell Preacher Curl

Beginner / Dumbbells / Biceps / pull

A classic isolation exercise that prevents cheating by stabilizing the upper arms on an angled pad. It is superior for developing the lower bicep and peak.

Dumbbell One Arm Wide-Grip Bench Press

Intermediate / Dumbbells / Chest / push

A chest press variation that emphasizes the outer pectorals and challenges core stability by using a wider-than-usual unilateral grip.

Dumbbell One Arm Wrist Curl

Beginner / Dumbbells / Forearms / pull

Isolates the forearm flexors of one arm. It is the best exercise for building grip strength and forearm "fullness" independently.

Dumbbell One Arm Bench Fly

Intermediate / Dumbbells / Chest / isolation

A unilateral isolation exercise for the chest. It increases core recruitment as the body must resist the lateral weight of the dumbbell.

Dumbbell Incline Triceps Extension

Beginner / Dumbbells / Triceps / isolation

A triceps isolation movement performed on an incline bench to place the long head under a significant stretch, promoting superior hypertrophy and muscle length.