Dumbbells Only: Twice a Week

Two full-body sessions a week with a pair of dumbbells. The least that still builds muscle and strength, for weeks when that is what you have.

  • Beginner
  • 2 days a week
  • About 45 min
  • Dumbbells
  • Build muscle

All programs

Free in Platesmith. Start this program in the app and it fills in your weights, times your rests and moves the weight up for you. No subscription needed for any program.

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How it progresses

Each exercise has a rep range. Stay at the same weight and add reps until every set reaches the top of the range, then add a little weight and work back up.

The workouts

Every exercise can be swapped in the app for one that works the same muscles, so missing equipment never stops you.

Day A

ExerciseSets × reps
Goblet Squat3 × 8-12
Dumbbell Bench Press3 × 8-12
Single-Arm Dumbbell Row3 × 8-12
Dumbbell RDL3 × 8-12
Dumbbell Lateral Raise2 × 12-15
Plank2 × 30-60s

Day B

ExerciseSets × reps
Reverse Lunge3 × 8-12
Seated Dumbbell Press3 × 8-12
Chest-Supported DB Row3 × 8-12
Dumbbell Hip Thrust3 × 10-15
Hammer Curl2 × 10-12
Dead Bug2 × 6-10

Similar programs

General guidance, not medical advice. Start lighter than you think, and check with a doctor first if you have a health condition or injury.