10 Best Arm Exercises With Weights (Dumbbell Arms Workout) (2024)

If you’re looking for the best arm toning exercises to get rid of those flabby arms then you’ve come to the right place. Getting in those arm workouts to tone and shape your arms is a big part of getting your summer body.

When the weather warms up it means the season of short sleeves, sleeveless dresses, and tank tops are upon us. Many of us out there looking to reduce arm fat. They want to feel less insecure and more self-confident about their arms.

Nobody wants to have flabby arms or bat wings, especially during the warm summer months. The good news is you slim down large upper arms when you start doing the right arm toning exercises.

It’s totally possible to tone up your arms despite genetics and your current fitness level. Maybe you want to get rid of the back-and-forth wiggle in your arms. Or maybe you lost weight and now it’s time tone them up.

I’m sure you’ll agree to have flabby arms can be the worse but I promise you’ll be able to tone up your arms faster than you think. All you need to do is to start using the best arm workouts to get results fast. Here you’ll find my top 10 best arm toning exercises you can use to get rid of those flabby bat wings for good.

Table of Contents

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First off it’s going to be a lot easier to tone your arms by lowering the overall fat on your body. Fat loss plus adding lean muscle is the recipe to get rid of any flabbiness on your body.

To do that the best thing you can do is to focus on your diet, total body and arm workouts, and arm toning exercises.

For your diet try using intermittent fasting which is been proven to be effective with weight loss.

Keto Elevate works great while you’re fasting. This keto supplement uses high quality MCTs that your body converts into ketones. These ketones signal for your body to start burning through your body fat stores for energy.

And if you have trouble losing weight then try lowering your carbohydrates and calories. Most people who are overweight have trouble with carbs so it’s best to keep them at a minimum. Most of your carbs should be from green vegetables and be sure to stay away from juices and smoothies.

Also, try to get more protein in your diet as it’s been found in multiple studies to help with fat loss (1). An easy way to get more protein in your diet is to take a low-carb, high-quality grass-fed whey protein shake.

For your training program try using High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT). HIIT workouts have been found to be much more effective for fat loss than old-school steady state cardio.

Metabolic Resistance Training (MRT) is also a great way to lose fat throughout your body while at the same time adding lean muscle mass. Then be sure to add in these arm training exercises below into some arm workouts.

Why You Need Arm Toning Exercises for Females

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If you ask most personal trainers out there they’ll let you know spot reduction certain areas on your body is a total myth. That’s not the whole truth.

It’s true older studies found spot reduction or target fat loss one area of the body isn’t effective (2). But check out this newer study in the Journal Of Sports Medicine And Physical Fitness (3).

It found those who trained their upper body lost more fat in their upper body. And those training their lower body lost more fat in their lower body. So it is technically possible for you to lose some fat in your arms just by training them more.

But keep in mind it’s probably much easier to lose fat in your arms by focusing on your diet and total body workouts.

Genetics also play a role but are definitely not everything when it comes to getting toned arms. Fat is dispersed on your body based on your genetics and your gender. Women tend to carry more fat in their hips while men tend to carry it more in their belly.

Genetics might make your body store more fat on your arms too. This study by Duke University found some have a certain gene that tells your fat cells to uptake glucose more rapidly than normal (4). This resulted in mice doubling their size compared to other mice without the gene.

So it’s not just eating too much and too little exercise that causes weight gain. But just don’t let your genetics become an excuse. Even if you have not the best genes in the world you can still overcome it with the right diet plan and an arm workouts.

How to Use These Arm Exercises at Home

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Each one of these arm exercises works either your biceps or your triceps. You can mix and match to put them into highly effective arm workouts.

The first five will be training your biceps which are in the top part of your upper arm. The last five will be training your triceps which is on the back of your upper arm. If you want to see more arm exercises to tone up the lower part of your arm check out these exercises for bat wings.

If you want to turn them into arm workouts then just alternate between a biceps and a triceps exercise. Perform 2-3 sets of each exercise starting off. I’d recommend doing these arm exercises 2-3 times per week at the most.

I recommend is better you do these arm exercises after a HIIT or MRT workout. You’ll get much better results if you do these arm exercises after those workouts instead of just doing them on their own.

The best part is you can do all these exercises for arms at home. All you need is a pair of dumbbells and if you want a Superband which you can find right here. Try using 5 to 8 pounds weights to start for the dumbbells and you work up from there.

For a proven diet and workout program to rapidly lose fat check out the Flat Belly Formula blueprint. It contains a total diet and workout program using the strategies I talked about here to lose fat all over your body so you can then tone up your arms fast.

The 10 Best Arm Exercises With Weights

Hammer Biceps Curl

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  1. Start off by standing with your feet hip width apart. Hold a dumbbell in each hand at your side with your feet apart and your chest held high.
  2. Next pinch your shoulder blades together as he begin to curl the dumbbells up until they reached your shoulders.
  3. Then slowly lower them back down to the starting position. Just try to make sure you don’t swing the dumbbells and try to keep strict form throughout the movement.

SuperBand Biceps Curl

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  1. Stand with your feet hip width apart. Grab a Superband and place your feet underneath it. Move your feet so there shoulder width apart.
  2. Hold the Superband like you were in the Hammer Curl position with your chest out and your shoulders back.
  3. Then slowly begin to curl the Superband up towards your shoulders before slowly lowering it back down.

Zottman Bicep Curls

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  1. This is one of my favorite biceps exercises. Stand with your feet hip width apart. Hold a dumbbell in each hand at your side with the palms up. Make sure your feet are hip width apart and squeeze your shoulder blades together.
  2. Then slowly bring the dumbbells up until they reach shoulder level.
  3. At the top turn flip the dumbbells around so your palms are facing down and then lower them dumbbells back to the ground. When they reached the bottom flip your hands back around to the starting position and repeat.

Halfway Dumbbell Curl

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  1. Hold a dumbbell in each hand at your side with your palms facing each other to start.
  2. Raise one dumbbell in your left hand so your left arm is bent at a 90 degree angle.
  3. Then with your right hand in your palm facing up begin to curl the dumbbell up.
  4. Halfway through the exercise switch arms so your right arm is bent at a 90 degree angle holding the dumbbell while your left arm is curling.

Plank Curls

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  1. Start off in the pushup position and hold a dumbbell in each hand with your body straight and your abs tight.
  2. Then begin to curl one dumbbell up to your shoulder while holding yourself up with your other arm.
  3. Slowly lower that dumbbell back to the ground and then repeat on the other side.
  4. Make sure your hips don’t sway too much during this exercise and try keep your body straight so you’ll also work your abs.

Overhead Triceps Extension

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  1. Grab a pair of dumbbells and lift them up over your head and bring them back behind your head.
  2. Try to keep your elbows from flaring out and hold them in a straight line with your body.
  3. Slowly lift the weights up over your head into your arms are extended.
  4. Then slowly bring them back down towards the starting position behind your head. You do this exercise standing, kneeling or even sitting.

Lying Tricep Extensions

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  1. Lay on your back with your knees bent and hold a dumbbell in each hand over your body with your palms facing each other.
  2. Slowly begin to lower the weights back behind your head while keeping your upper arm perpendicular to your body.
  3. When the dumbbells reach the bottom you then will bring them back to the starting and squeeze your triceps at the top.

Dumbbell Triceps Kickback

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  1. Hold a dumbbell in each hand and lean forward as you raise your arms so they’re parallel to the floor.
  2. Next bend your elbows and slowly begin to raise the dumbbells up until your lower arms are in a straight line with your upper arms.
  3. Squeeze your triceps when the dumbbells reached the top position before slowly lowering back down.
  4. Just be careful not to swing the dumbbells while doing this exercise. Then bring the dumbbells back to the starting position.

Close-grip Pushups

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  1. I prefer these over triceps dip if you’re strong enough to do the pushup. Start off in the pushup position with your feet together and your arms shoulder width apart. You can also do this exercise from the kneeling position if you’re not strong enough yet to do it from your feet.
  2. Then slowly began to lower your body to the ground by bending your elbows.
  3. Try to keep your elbows in throughout the exercise so they rub up against your body.
  4. When you reach the bottom bring yourself back up to the starting position and once you reach the top squeeze the back of your arms.

Plank-to-Pushups

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  1. Start off in the push-up position with your hands underneath your shoulders. If you’re not strong enough to do this exercise you may feel you can also do it from your knees.
  2. Slowly begin by bending your elbows to lower to the ground followed by the other elbow until you’re in the plank position.
  3. Once both elbows are on the ground you can begin to come back up into the push-up position from your hands.
  4. Try to squeeze the back of your arms at the top of this exercise and you can also put your arms a little farther out in front to focus more on the triceps. This exercise is also great for your core muscles.

Arm Workout to Tone & Shape Your Arm Muscles (Video)

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What is the best exercise for upper arm flab?

One of the reasons you have upper arm flab in the first place is because you have an excess of fat and not enough arm muscle to tone them up. So using the above arm exercises combined consistently will help to better tone your arms and get rid of that flab. But the best exercises are going to be ones that use your entire body weight with a focus on your upper arms and triceps area.

How can I tone my arms without weights?

You don’t need weights like dumbbells and barbells to be able to get rid of your upper arm flab and tone them up but you will have to do some exercise. Look at some of the body weight exercises above to be able to turn your upper arm flab. You can also find items around the house that are heavy to do some of the arm exercises above if you don’t have access to any weights.

The Last Word

Now that you know the best arm exercises you can do at home it’s time to take action and actually do them. Putting them together into an arm workout that you can do 2-3 times a week will get your arms toned. And key to toning up your arms is to also lose fat all of your body while doing these arm exercises.

The best way to lose fat all over your body is a use a proven diet and workout program like the one in The Flat Belly Formula system. All use home workouts with implement all muscle groups to maximize fat burning.

Then by adding in these arm exercises you can then get rid of those flabby arms once and for all and faster than you thought possible. You don’t have to do an hour long arm workout to get results. You just have to add in these arm exercises after your fat burning total body workouts.

Just think how you’ll look in that sleeveless dress or tank top with your new and improved toned arms. It’ll be worth it!

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Josh Schlottman, CSCS CPT

Josh holds a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Physiology and Nutrition Science. He’s a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) by the National Strength and Conditioning Association and he’s a Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) by American Council on Exercise. He’s worked as a Strength and Conditioning Coach at the high school and college levels. He has over 15 years of experience as a personal trainer and nutrition coach. He strives to bring inspiration and results for people to live healthier lives through smart diet and exercise.

Related posts:

5 Best Exercises for Flabby Arms (Tighten Bat Wings Workout) How to Get Skinnier Feet (Make Your Feet Thinner at Home) How to Get Rid of Upper Arm Fat (10 Killer Exercises) How to Get Rid of Back Fat Fast (Best Exercises) Best Bra Bulge Exercises (Get Rid of Bra Fat Fast) How to Get Rid of Thigh Fat Fast (In 7 Days at Home)
10 Best Arm Exercises With Weights (Dumbbell Arms Workout) (2024)

FAQs

Can you build arms with just dumbbells? ›

Stronger arm muscles also help protect your bones and stabilize your joints. Fortunately, toning and strengthening your arms doesn't require much. A regular arm workout using just a simple set of dumbbells can get you the results you want.

Can you build muscle with dumbbells only? ›

The answer? A resounding yes. Dumbbells are one of the top resistance training tools for both beginners and elite athletes. Their effectiveness at building strength and muscle makes them a staple for any fitness routine – and their storability makes them a staple for any home gym.

What exercise works the whole arm? ›

1. Arnold Curl. This is a favorite of mine for several reasons — not only does it look super advanced, but it also helps work nearly every muscle in your arms depending on which variation you choose. You'll work your shoulders, biceps and even the corners of your armpits!

How to get strong arms fast? ›

10 Simple Arm-Strengthening Exercises
  1. Lateral Raise (Side Raise) Standing tall with your knees slightly bent, hold a dumbbell in each hand and hang your arms down by your sides. ...
  2. Overhead Extension. ...
  3. Push-Ups. ...
  4. Tricep Push-Ups. ...
  5. Bicep Curl. ...
  6. Dumbbell Row. ...
  7. Two-Arm Kettlebell Swing. ...
  8. Plank To Push-Up.
Aug 12, 2021

What happens if you only lift dumbbells everyday? ›

It's not necessary to lift weights every day, and if you do, you increase your risk for overuse injuries and overtraining syndrome. For most people, strength training two to three times a week is sufficient, but if you prefer to split training different muscle groups, then you can train up to five days a week.

How many times should I lift a dumbbell a day? ›

Start with a weight you can lift comfortably 12 to 15 times. For most people, a single set of 12 to 15 repetitions with a weight that fatigues the muscles can build strength efficiently and can be as effective as three sets of the same exercise. As you get stronger, gradually increase the amount of weight.

Can I get toned with just dumbbells? ›

Although simple, dumbbells are an effective tool for toning and strengthening arms. Dumbbells are incredibly versatile, and allow you to target different muscle groups in different ways, including biceps, triceps, forearms, and shoulders.

Which exercise burns the most arm fat? ›

5 effective exercises to reduce arm fat
  • 1/5. Chair Dips. This is a fat-burning exercise that tones not only the arms but also the back muscles. ...
  • 2/5. Arm circles. This is yet another conventional arm exercise that is used to tone and shape flabby arms in most workout routines. ...
  • 3/5. Push ups. ...
  • 4/5. Scissors. ...
  • 5/5. Half-Moon rotation.
Sep 11, 2022

How many exercises should I do on arm day? ›

Instead, plan to do 1 or 2 arm exercises at the end of each workout, after you've done other, more taxing moves. “Think of 3 sets of curls on the days you train back and 3 sets of skullcrushers or pressdowns on days you train chest,” says Samuel.

How long does it take to see results from arm exercises? ›

If you are training arms twice a week, eating enough protein, and (if weight loss is required) following a moderate calorie deficit (find out how many calories you should be eating to lose weight here), you should begin to see improvements in around 4-6 weeks.

Can flabby arms really be toned? ›

Arm toning with weights and body lift exercises can certainly go a long way in increasing the strength and tone of your upper arms. When these exercise routines are combined with overall body fat reduction, you may get close to achieving the arm appearance you want.

What size dumbbells should I use to tone my arms? ›

I recommend starting with 5-pound weights. Halfway through the month, do a check-in with your body to see if they feel too light. If so, you can move up to 7.5- or 8-pound weights. If you notice you are building muscle too quickly, or bulking instead of toning, I recommend staying lighter with your weights.

How to build bigger arms with just dumbbells? ›

Hold a dumbbell in each hand, letting your arms hang by your sides. Keep your back straight and curl the weights up until your thumbs are near your shoulders. Squeeze, then lower. Now rotate your wrists so your palms face backwards and curl again on the opposite side.

How long does it take to grow arms with dumbbells? ›

Typically, it takes around 6-8 weeks for you to start noticing changes in the appearance of your arms. At around the 12 week mark, this is typically when you can expect to see more significant changes, especially if you didn't already have a large amount of muscle mass in the area!

Are dumbbells enough to build biceps? ›

You can definitely build strong biceps muscles and improve bicep development without the gym. You can do this by doing biceps training at home with dumbbells. Even if you have only a single pair of dumbbells, you can still get an effective biceps workout at home.

Do dumbbells slim your arms? ›

How much weight is effective completely varies from person to person. If you need slim & toned arms your rep range should be 15–25. You should not be doing less than 15 reps. If you pick dumbbells with which you can perform 30 reps but you are stopping at 15, that exercise is not gonna help at all.

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