12 New Ways to Use Dumbbells

Almost everyone wants to workout more, but it's not always easy. Many people find it difficult to go to the gym, as their lives are already busy enough. Exercising at home means buying expensive equipment... or does it? You can actually get a whole lot more bang out of your dumbbells by using them in new ways!

Straight Leg V-Up

To workout your abs and obliques, hold one dumbbell in your hands while lying on your back with your legs and arms stretched out. Remember to hold your core as you are lifting up your right leg and lower body so that they meet in the air. Touch the dumbbell on your right toe, then lowering your upper body and leg. Repeat these steps on the other leg.

Knee Weave

While holding a dumbbell in your right hand, sit on the floor with your knees bent. Lean backward, lifting both feet off of the floor remaining in this position until the dumbbell is lifted over your right knee and under your left knee. Using your left hand, reach under your left knee so that you can reach the dumbbell. Next, lift the weight over your left knee and under your right knee. Then, use your right hand to reach under and get the dumbbell.

Front Raise Plank

To perform a front raise plank, get in plank position with your feet and hands shoulders-width apart.  Hold a dumbbell in each hand. Ensure that your hips to the ground and keep your elbows locked. Then, raise the right dumbbell up to your shoulder. Repeat these steps on the other side.

Around The World

Use one dumbbell, sit on the floor with your knees bent, then lean back while lifting both feet into the air. Then, place the dumbbell under your legs so that one hand is always on each end, as you switch hands. Raise your arms so that they will connect above your head, then move the dumbbell from your right hand to your left hand.

Dumbbell Plank

With a dumbbell close to either side of your body, get into the planking position while keeping your body straight and hips square. Then, raise your right hand while reaching underneath your left arm to get the dumbbell. Being careful not to raise the dumbbell, slide it to either side of your body, as you will repeat this step twice on both sides.

V-Sit Jabs

Hold one dumbbell in each of your hands as you are sitting on the floor with your knees bent. Then, lean backward while lifting both feet into the air. Your legs should remain still as the dumbbells are brought to your chest, then push forward with your right arm, then repeat on your left arm.

Russian Twist

Perform a Russian Twist by grabbing two dumbbells and sitting on the floor with your knees bent. Remember that your chin should be raised and your shoulders kept back. Then, lean back while raising both feet above the floor. Repeat the following step left from right: Twist your waist in either direction so that the dumbbells touch the floor.

T’s and V’s

While holding a dumbbell in each hand, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, bend your waist and allow your hands to dangle under your shoulders. Lift both of the dumbbells at the same time to your sides so that a ‘T’ shape is made. Then, face your hands to the ground, bringing them back and forth together so that they form a ‘V’.

Squat Twists

Spread out your feet and hold one dumbbell in each hand. Then, bring the dumbbells to your shoulder level. Raise your chest, and then squat. Then, raise yourself up again while twisting your right foot to the left and lifting both dumbbells into the air. Go back into the starting position and repeat these steps on the other side of your body.

Lateral Raises

While holding a dumbbell in each hand and sitting on the floor with your knees bent, lean backward and raise both of your feet off of the floor. Stretching your arms outward, bring both dumbbells to your sides and lift both dumbbells off of the floor. Perform this step by not allowing the dumbbells to touch the floor.

Single Leg Lateral Flies

Hold one dumbbell in each hand, then, bend one leg while the rest of your body is kept straight. Keep your arms along your sides and lift both dumbbells until they reach your shoulders. Repeat this step on the other leg.

Dumbbell Run

Hold two dumbbells in each hand so that they are around your sides and both elbows at a 90 degree angle. Lift the dumbbell up to your chin as you bring the right elbow behind you, then repeat on the other arm.