Body Works logo

Works

Dumbbell Lying Rear Lateral Raise
thumbnail

The dumbbell lying rear lateral raise is an isolation exercise that primarily targets the rear deltoids (posterior deltoids) and the muscles of the upper back. It helps to strengthen and develop the posterior shoulder muscles, improving shoulder stability and posture. ## Instructions 1. Start by lying face down on a flat exercise bench. Hold a dumbbell in each hand with an overhand grip (palms facing downward). 2. Extend your arms straight down toward the floor, keeping them shoulder-width apart. Your elbows should have a slight bend. 3. Engage your core and squeeze your shoulder blades together to retract them. 4. While maintaining the same elbow angle, lift the dumbbells out to the sides until your upper arms are parallel to the floor. Keep your palms facing downward throughout the movement. 5. Pause for a moment at the top of the movement, focusing on squeezing your rear delts. 6. Slowly lower the dumbbells back down toward the starting position with control. ## Variations - If you're new to this exercise or find it challenging, you can start with lighter dumbbells or even perform the exercise without weights until you feel comfortable and confident with the movement. - As you progress, you can increase the weight of the dumbbells to add more resistance and challenge your muscles further. - Another variation is to perform the exercise with one arm at a time, allowing you to focus on each side independently. ## Muscles Worked - Rear deltoids (posterior deltoids) - Rhomboids - Middle trapezius - Posterior shoulder muscles ## Common Mistakes - Arching the lower back: Maintain a neutral spine throughout the exercise and avoid excessive arching of the lower back. Engage your core to stabilize the spine. - Shruging the shoulders: Keep your shoulders relaxed and down away from your ears. Focus on squeezing the shoulder blades together instead. - Using excessive weight: Start with a weight that allows you to maintain proper form and control throughout the exercise. Using too much weight can compromise your technique and increase the risk of injury. ## Safety Precautions - Warm up your muscles before performing this exercise to reduce the risk of injury. - If you have any shoulder or back issues, consult with a qualified fitness professional or healthcare provider before attempting this exercise. - Maintain a controlled and smooth motion throughout the exercise to avoid jerking or swinging the weights, which can strain the muscles or joints. - If you experience any pain or discomfort during the exercise, stop immediately and seek professional advice.

Dumbbell Lying Supination
thumbnail

The dumbbell lying supination exercise targets the forearm muscles, specifically the supinator muscle. It involves rotating the forearm from a pronated (palm down) position to a supinated (palm up) position. This exercise helps strengthen the muscles responsible for forearm supination, improving grip strength and overall forearm development. ## Instructions 1. Start by lying face up on a flat exercise bench with your feet flat on the floor and your arms extended straight out in front of you, holding a dumbbell in each hand with an overhand grip (palms facing down). 2. Keep your upper arms and elbows fixed in position throughout the exercise. 3. Slowly rotate your forearms and hands outward, moving from a pronated position to a supinated position. Your palms should end up facing up toward the ceiling. 4. Pause for a moment in the fully supinated position, feeling the contraction in your forearm muscles. 5. Slowly rotate your forearms and hands back to the starting position in a controlled manner, returning to the pronated position. 6. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions. ## Variations - If you're new to this exercise or find it challenging, you can start with lighter dumbbells or even perform the exercise without weights until you feel comfortable and confident with the movement. - As you progress, you can increase the weight of the dumbbells to add more resistance and challenge your forearm muscles further. ## Muscles Worked - Supinator muscles of the forearms - Brachioradialis ## Common Mistakes - Moving the upper arms: Keep your upper arms and elbows fixed in position throughout the exercise. The movement should only occur at the forearms and hands. - Using excessive weight: Start with a weight that allows you to maintain proper form and control throughout the exercise. Using too much weight can compromise your technique and increase the risk of injury. - Relying on momentum: Perform the exercise in a slow and controlled manner, focusing on the contraction of the forearm muscles. Avoid using momentum to swing the weights, as this reduces the effectiveness of the exercise. ## Safety Precautions - Warm up your forearm muscles before performing this exercise to reduce the risk of injury. - If you have any wrist, elbow, or forearm issues, consult with a qualified fitness professional or healthcare provider before attempting this exercise. - Maintain a controlled and smooth motion throughout the exercise. Avoid jerking or quick movements that can strain your muscles or joints. - If you experience any pain or discomfort during the exercise, stop immediately and seek professional advice.

Dumbbell Lying Supination on Floor
thumbnail

The dumbbell lying supination on the floor exercise targets the forearm muscles, specifically the supinator muscle. It involves rotating the forearm from a pronated (palm down) position to a supinated (palm up) position. This exercise helps strengthen the muscles responsible for forearm supination, improving grip strength and overall forearm development. ## Instructions 1. Start by lying face up on the floor with your knees bent and feet flat on the ground. 2. Hold a dumbbell in each hand with an overhand grip (palms facing down), resting the dumbbells on the floor near your hips. 3. Keep your upper arms and elbows fixed in position throughout the exercise. 4. Slowly rotate your forearms and hands outward, moving from a pronated position to a supinated position. Your palms should end up facing up toward the ceiling. 5. Pause for a moment in the fully supinated position, feeling the contraction in your forearm muscles. 6. Slowly rotate your forearms and hands back to the starting position in a controlled manner, returning to the pronated position. 7. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions. ## Variations - If you're new to this exercise or find it challenging, you can start with lighter dumbbells or even perform the exercise without weights until you feel comfortable and confident with the movement. - As you progress, you can increase the weight of the dumbbells to add more resistance and challenge your forearm muscles further. ## Muscles Worked - Supinator muscles of the forearms - Brachioradialis ## Common Mistakes - Moving the upper arms: Keep your upper arms and elbows fixed in position throughout the exercise. The movement should only occur at the forearms and hands. - Using excessive weight: Start with a weight that allows you to maintain proper form and control throughout the exercise. Using too much weight can compromise your technique and increase the risk of injury. - Relying on momentum: Perform the exercise in a slow and controlled manner, focusing on the contraction of the forearm muscles. Avoid using momentum to swing the weights, as this reduces the effectiveness of the exercise. ## Safety Precautions - Warm up your forearm muscles before performing this exercise to reduce the risk of injury. - If you have any wrist, elbow, or forearm issues, consult with a qualified fitness professional or healthcare provider before attempting this exercise. - Maintain a controlled and smooth motion throughout the exercise. Avoid jerking or quick movements that can strain your muscles or joints. - If you experience any pain or discomfort during the exercise, stop immediately and seek professional advice.

Dumbbell Lying Supine Biceps Curl
thumbnail

The dumbbell lying supine biceps curl is an exercise that targets the biceps muscles of the upper arms. By performing this exercise while lying down, you remove the involvement of other muscles and isolate the biceps, leading to increased strength and muscle development in the front of the upper arms. ## Instructions 1. Start by lying face up on a flat exercise bench or on the floor. Hold a dumbbell in each hand with an underhand grip (palms facing up), allowing your arms to hang straight down at your sides. 2. Keep your upper arms stationary throughout the exercise, ensuring they remain in contact with the bench or floor. 3. Engage your core and bend your elbows to curl the dumbbells toward your shoulders. Keep your wrists straight and avoid excessive wrist movement. 4. Contract your biceps at the top of the movement and squeeze them for a brief moment to maximize the contraction. 5. Slowly lower the dumbbells back to the starting position, fully extending your arms. 6. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions. ## Variations - You can perform this exercise one arm at a time, alternating arms with each repetition. This variation can help improve muscle balance and coordination. - Alternatively, you can use a barbell instead of dumbbells to perform a lying supine barbell curl. This variation allows you to lift heavier weights and can be useful for building overall biceps strength. ## Muscles Worked - Biceps brachii (short head, long head) - Brachialis ## Common Mistakes - Using momentum: Avoid swinging or using momentum to lift the weights. Instead, focus on controlled and deliberate movements to fully engage the biceps muscles. - Allowing the upper arms to move: Keep your upper arms stationary throughout the exercise. Only the forearms should move, with the elbows acting as fixed pivot points. - Lifting too much weight: Start with a weight that allows you to maintain proper form and control. Using excessively heavy weights can compromise your technique and increase the risk of injury. ## Safety Precautions - Warm up your biceps muscles before performing this exercise to reduce the risk of injury. - If you have any shoulder, elbow, or biceps issues, consult with a qualified fitness professional or healthcare provider before attempting this exercise. - Maintain proper form throughout the exercise, keeping your back flat against the bench or floor and avoiding excessive arching or lifting of the shoulders. - If you experience any pain or discomfort during the exercise, stop immediately and seek professional advice.

Dumbbell One Arm Bent-Over Row
thumbnail

The dumbbell one arm bent-over row is an exercise that targets the back muscles, primarily the latissimus dorsi (lats). It involves bending over at the waist while holding a dumbbell and pulling it up towards the torso, mimicking a rowing motion. This exercise helps in developing strength, thickness, and definition in the back muscles, including the lats, rhomboids, and rear deltoids. ## Instructions 1. Begin by standing with your feet shoulder-width apart and holding a dumbbell in one hand. 2. Bend your knees slightly and hinge forward at the hips, keeping your back straight and parallel to the ground. Your torso should be at approximately a 45-degree angle. 3. Let your arm hang straight down, fully extended, with the dumbbell in front of your knee. This is the starting position. 4. Keeping your elbow close to your side, exhale and pull the dumbbell upward in a rowing motion, driving your elbow towards the ceiling. Focus on squeezing your back muscles. 5. Pause for a brief moment at the top of the movement, squeezing your back muscles even further. 6. In a controlled manner, inhale and lower the dumbbell back to the starting position, fully extending your arm. 7. Repeat the movement for the desired number of repetitions, then switch to the other arm. ## Variations - Supported Bent-Over Row: Perform the exercise with one arm while using your other hand to support yourself on a bench or sturdy surface. This provides additional stability and allows you to focus more on the back muscles. - Barbell Bent-Over Row: Instead of using a dumbbell, you can perform the exercise with a barbell. This allows for heavier weights and engages the back muscles in a slightly different way. - Cable Row: Use a cable machine with a handle attachment instead of a dumbbell. This variation provides a constant tension throughout the movement. ## Muscles Worked - Primary muscles: Latissimus dorsi (lats), rhomboids, rear deltoids (back muscles) - Secondary muscles: Biceps brachii, brachialis, brachioradialis, trapezius ## Common Mistakes - Using momentum: Avoid using momentum to lift the weight. Focus on a slow and controlled movement, emphasizing the contraction of the back muscles. - Rounding the back: Keep your back straight throughout the exercise and avoid rounding or arching. Engage your core muscles to maintain stability and proper form. - Pulling with the arm instead of the back: The main focus should be on using the back muscles to initiate the rowing motion. Avoid relying too much on the arm to pull the weight. ## Safety Precautions - Warm up your back muscles before starting the exercise to prevent strains or injuries. - Start with a lighter weight and gradually increase as you become more comfortable and stronger. - Maintain proper form throughout the exercise, keeping your back straight and avoiding excessive arching or rounding. - If you have any pre-existing back or shoulder issues, consult with a healthcare professional before attempting this exercise. - If you experience any pain or discomfort during the exercise, stop immediately and seek medical advice.

Dumbbell One Arm Concentration Curl (on Stability Ball)
thumbnail

The dumbbell one arm concentration curl on a stability ball is an exercise that primarily targets the biceps brachii (upper arm muscles). It involves sitting on a stability ball and performing a curl motion with a dumbbell in one hand, focusing on isolating and building strength in the biceps. The instability of the stability ball adds an additional challenge to the exercise, engaging the core muscles for stability and balance. ## Instructions 1. Start by placing a stability ball on the floor and sitting on it with your feet firmly planted on the ground. 2. Hold a dumbbell in one hand and extend your arm fully, allowing it to hang down between your legs. This is the starting position. 3. Position your elbow on the inside of your thigh, near your knee, with your arm fully extended and palm facing upward. 4. While keeping your upper arm stationary, exhale and curl the dumbbell up towards your shoulder by contracting your biceps. Focus on squeezing the biceps at the top of the movement. 5. Inhale and slowly lower the dumbbell back down to the starting position in a controlled manner, fully extending your arm. 6. Repeat the movement for the desired number of repetitions, then switch to the other arm. ## Variations - Seated Concentration Curl: Perform the exercise while seated on a bench instead of a stability ball. This provides a more stable base and allows for better isolation of the biceps. - Standing Concentration Curl: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and perform the curl motion one arm at a time, allowing the opposite arm to hang freely. This variation engages the core muscles for stability. - Alternating Concentration Curl: Alternate between each arm, curling one arm at a time while the other arm rests. This variation allows you to focus on each arm individually. ## Muscles Worked - Primary muscles: Biceps brachii (upper arm muscles) - Secondary muscles: Brachialis, brachioradialis, forearm muscles ## Common Mistakes - Using momentum: Avoid swinging or using momentum to lift the weight. Focus on a slow and controlled movement, emphasizing the contraction of the biceps. - Leaning back: Keep your back straight and avoid leaning back during the exercise. Maintain proper posture to isolate the biceps and engage the core muscles for stability. - Allowing the elbow to move: Keep your upper arm stationary throughout the exercise. The movement should occur at the elbow joint, with the forearm and hand curling the weight. ## Safety Precautions - Choose an appropriate weight that allows you to maintain proper form and control throughout the exercise. - Use a stable stability ball and ensure it is properly inflated. - Engage your core muscles to maintain balance and stability on the stability ball. - If you have any pre-existing arm or shoulder issues, consult with a healthcare professional before attempting this exercise. - If you experience any pain or discomfort during the exercise, stop immediately and seek medical advice.

Dumbbell One Arm Decline Chest Press
thumbnail

The dumbbell one arm decline chest press is an exercise that targets the chest muscles (pectoralis major) and the triceps. It is performed while lying on a decline bench with one arm at a time, allowing for a greater range of motion and activation of the lower chest muscles. This exercise helps in building strength, size, and definition in the chest while also engaging the triceps for added arm involvement. ## Instructions 1. Set up a decline bench at an angle of approximately 30-45 degrees. Lie back on the bench with your feet secured at the top end and hold a dumbbell in one hand. 2. Start with your arm fully extended, holding the dumbbell directly above your chest. This is the starting position. 3. Inhale and slowly lower the dumbbell towards your chest in a controlled manner, keeping your elbow slightly below the level of your torso. Maintain a 90-degree angle at the elbow. 4. Pause for a moment when your upper arm is parallel to the ground and your triceps are fully stretched. 5. Exhale and push the dumbbell back up to the starting position, fully extending your arm. 6. Repeat the movement for the desired number of repetitions, then switch to the other arm. ## Variations - Barbell Decline Chest Press: Instead of using dumbbells, you can perform the exercise with a barbell, allowing for greater stability and the ability to lift heavier weights. - Dumbbell Decline Chest Press (Both Arms): Perform the exercise with a dumbbell in each hand, lifting both arms simultaneously. This variation provides a balanced workload for both sides of the chest. - Smith Machine Decline Chest Press: Use a Smith machine with an adjustable decline bench to perform the exercise. The Smith machine provides added stability and control during the movement. ## Muscles Worked - Primary muscles: Pectoralis major (chest) - Secondary muscles: Triceps brachii, anterior deltoids (front shoulders), serratus anterior (stabilizer muscles) ## Common Mistakes - Arching the back: Maintain a stable and neutral spine throughout the exercise. Avoid excessive arching of the lower back, as it can lead to strain or injury. - Flaring the elbows: Keep your elbows at a 90-degree angle throughout the movement. Avoid letting your elbows flare out to the sides, as it shifts the emphasis away from the chest muscles. - Using excessive momentum: Control the weight throughout the exercise. Avoid using momentum or bouncing the weight off your chest to ensure proper muscle activation. ## Safety Precautions - Use a decline bench that is stable and secure. Ensure it is set at an appropriate angle for your comfort and ability. - Start with a lighter weight and gradually increase as you become more comfortable and stronger. - Maintain proper form and control throughout the exercise. Avoid jerking or swinging the weight. - If you have any pre-existing shoulder or chest issues, consult with a healthcare professional before attempting this exercise. - If you experience any pain or discomfort during the exercise, stop immediately and seek medical advice.

Dumbbell One Arm Reverse Wrist Curl
thumbnail

The Dumbbell One Arm Reverse Wrist Curl is an exercise that targets the forearm muscles, particularly the extensor muscles. By using a reverse grip, the exercise primarily works the muscles on the top side of the forearm, helping to improve forearm strength and grip. ## Instructions 1. Start by sitting on a bench or chair with your feet flat on the floor and your back straight. 2. Hold a dumbbell in one hand with an overhand grip (palms facing down), allowing your arm to hang by your side. 3. Rest your forearm on your thigh, ensuring that your wrist is slightly over the edge of your knee. 4. Slowly lower the dumbbell towards the floor by flexing your wrist. Make sure to maintain a firm grip on the dumbbell throughout the movement. 5. Once your wrist is fully flexed, pause for a moment and then slowly reverse the motion, raising the dumbbell back up towards your body. 6. Continue this controlled up and down motion for the desired number of repetitions. 7. Switch arms and repeat the exercise with the opposite hand. ## Variations - **Two-Arm Reverse Wrist Curl:** Perform the exercise using both arms simultaneously by holding a dumbbell in each hand and following the same instructions. - **Seated Dumbbell Reverse Wrist Curl:** Perform the exercise while sitting on a bench or chair, resting your forearms on your thighs. - **Barbell Reverse Wrist Curl:** Instead of using a dumbbell, you can use a barbell with an overhand grip to perform the exercise. ## Muscles Worked The Dumbbell One Arm Reverse Wrist Curl primarily targets the following muscles: - Forearm extensors (top side of the forearm) ## Common Mistakes - Using excessive weight: Start with a lighter weight and gradually increase as you become comfortable with the exercise to avoid straining the muscles. - Using momentum: Avoid swinging or jerking the dumbbell during the movement. Keep the motion slow and controlled to effectively target the forearm muscles. - Allowing the wrist to bend: Ensure that your wrist remains stable and straight throughout the exercise. Do not allow it to bend forward or backward. ## Safety Precautions - Choose an appropriate dumbbell weight that allows you to maintain proper form and control throughout the exercise. - If you have any pre-existing wrist or forearm injuries, consult with a healthcare professional or fitness trainer before attempting this exercise. - Start with a light warm-up to prepare your wrists and forearms before performing the exercise. - If you experience any pain or discomfort during the exercise, stop immediately and seek guidance from a healthcare professional.

Dumbbell One Arm Reverse Grip Press
thumbnail

The Dumbbell One Arm Reverse Grip Press is an exercise that primarily targets the chest muscles, specifically the pectoralis major. It also engages the triceps and shoulders to a lesser extent. By using a reverse grip, the exercise places additional emphasis on the upper chest and can help develop upper body strength and muscle definition. ## Instructions 1. Start by lying flat on a bench with your feet firmly planted on the floor. 2. Hold a dumbbell in one hand with an underhand grip (palms facing up), positioning the dumbbell at shoulder level. 3. Keep your elbow tucked in close to your body and your forearm perpendicular to the floor. 4. Press the dumbbell upward in a controlled manner, extending your arm fully without locking the elbow. 5. Pause for a moment at the top of the movement, feeling the contraction in your chest muscles. 6. Slowly lower the dumbbell back down to the starting position, maintaining control throughout the descent. 7. Repeat the exercise for the desired number of repetitions. 8. Switch arms and repeat the exercise with the opposite hand. ## Variations - **Two-Arm Reverse Grip Press:** Perform the exercise using both arms simultaneously by holding a dumbbell in each hand and following the same instructions. - **Incline Dumbbell Reverse Grip Press:** Perform the exercise on an incline bench, which targets the upper chest muscles to a greater degree. - **Barbell Reverse Grip Press:** Instead of using dumbbells, you can use a barbell with an underhand grip to perform the exercise. ## Muscles Worked The Dumbbell One Arm Reverse Grip Press primarily targets the following muscles: - Pectoralis major (chest) - Triceps (back of the upper arm) - Anterior deltoid (front of the shoulder) ## Common Mistakes - Arching the back excessively: Keep your back flat against the bench throughout the exercise to maintain stability and prevent strain. - Using too much weight: Start with a weight that allows you to maintain proper form and control. Gradually increase the weight as your strength improves. - Failing to maintain a controlled motion: Avoid jerking or swinging the dumbbell. Focus on smooth and controlled movements throughout the exercise. ## Safety Precautions - Choose an appropriate dumbbell weight that matches your strength and allows you to perform the exercise with proper form. - Ensure that the bench you're using is stable and secure. - If you have any shoulder or chest injuries, consult with a healthcare professional or fitness trainer before attempting this exercise. - Warm up your chest, shoulders, and triceps with some light cardio or dynamic stretches before performing the exercise. - If you experience any pain or discomfort during the exercise, stop immediately and seek guidance from a healthcare professional.

Copyright © 2026 BodyWorks.