If you are reading this now there is a very good chance you are bright enough to have been educating yourself via reading multiple articles that will help you reach your goal. Most likely you have [...]

2. If you are reading this now there is a very good chance you are bright enough to have
been educating yourself via reading multiple articles that will help you reach your goal.
Most likely you have seen 100 different ways to get the results you are looking for. Is
that true? The reason you see so many things out there is that there are “many ways to
skin a cat.” I’m not sure why we use that saying, but hey! There it is and it still rings true.
The moment someone tells you their way is THE “right way” or “only way” RUN! Truth
be told, there are many paths to reach your goal. The real question is which one you
enjoy the most and will get you there the quickest?
I have been training for nearly 20 years consistently. During those 20 years I have done
many types of training: Weight Training, Karate, Judo, Sprinting, Plyometrics, Distance
Running, Football Drills Etc. When it is all said and done my favorite type of training is
either Weight Training or Karate. One thing I notice though is every Dojo is different
whereas every dumbbell feels familiar. This being the case I am CONSTANTLY hitting
the weights. Though I still sprinkle in the different types of working out, I build my
training around my Primary Training Interest. You may or may not share the same level
of interest with Weight Training as I do. Either way, the importance of weight training is
undeniable!
Weight training will increase lean muscle, increase metabolism, increase bone density,
increase sense of well-being, increase vitality, decrease fat just to name a few benefits.
Would you agree these are good? I’m pretty sure you do! So what is one of the best
ways to accomplish all of this in a minimal amount of space? Again per usual there are
a multitude of options; however, one of my favorites is via Weight Training with
Dumbbells.
Dumbbells offer an excellent form of resistance, take up little space and can be used for
a monstrous number of exercises. In fact there are so many possible exercises that
what I want to do is break that huge number down to the MOST EFFECTIVE ones. Sure
variations are great, but let’s cut to the chase and narrow down the scope a bit for fast
and noticeable results. I struggled with “number” of best exercises with dumbbells, but
landed on SIXTEEN. There are TONS more and unlimited possibilities in training REPS,
SETS, PACE etcetera: but, these 16 are perfect for Full Body Development in a Minimal
Space with Minimal Equipment.
All that you need to complete all the exercises to come are a Set of Dumbbells, a
Dumbbell Rack (to keep them orderly) and an Adjustable Bench. There are a lot of
possibilities out there, but I like POWERTEC’s options. Their Capacity and Future
Functionality are superb.

3. - WorkbenchCapacity: 600 lbs.
- Workbench Functionality: Multiple Settings (decline, flat, incline, upright)
- Workbench Future Functionality: A variety of Attachments are available to expand later
- Dumbbell Rack: Holds 6-8 Sets of Dumbbells depending on Size of Dumbbells
What’s also great about this duo is that this combination takes up only about 16 sq. ft.
when not in use. Beyond that that they can be placed next to the wall so they are not
taking up space that you want to use in your room of choice! When it’s time to work out
you just roll the Powertec Workbench into place and get to work! How do I know this
combo works? I worked out with and trained multiple clients achieving great results with
this minimalist configuration: Adjustable Bench/Dumbbells.
You still with me? Okay, time to get into how to build the body you have always wanted
with the TOP 16 DUMBBELL EXERCISES. Though full-body movements are fine, to
BUILD and SCULPT the physique you want these following movements are necessary.
CHEST
Let’s start with Carving an awe inspiring Chest of Granite! The first two of the 16
exercises are for the chest.
1. The Dumbbell Bench Press. Exercise numero uno is a crowd pleaser. This is a true
classic and is the base compound movement to build a solid chest. The Pecs are
hammered via this tired and true movement that has shaped bodies for decades. Using
the Multibench you can also do a number of variations of this basic movement. A
Decline Bench Press helps to “shelf up” the chest bringing out the sharper underline of
the pec. An Incline variation helps fill out the Upper Chest. This movement with these
variations builds solid mass in the full pec.
2. The Dumbbell Chest Fly. This exercise is awesome for putting extra emphasis on
slashing up the chest. A lighter weight is used for this in comparison to the Press;
however, Incline and Decline variations are also beneficial for full Pectoral development.
The combination of Bench Press and Fly movements with variations of Incline, Flat and
decline will result in great chest.

4. SHOULDERS
One of the best ways to improve the V-Taper of your physique is by adding width and
shape to your shoulders. This also makes the arms look that much more impressive.
The area where the arm meets the shoulder just looks incredible when you take the
time to develop the delts as needed. The shoulders are so important in physique
development that I have dedicated 5 of the 16 exercises to them. So what exercises are
best for this development?
3. Dumbbell Shoulder Press. This movement is a popular compound movement that
engages the entire shoulder. Variations such as the Arnold Press are a way to add
some spice to the movement for additional results. However you look at it though, a
solid compound movement where you’re lifting serious weight is a great way to pack on
lean mass.
(Compound Movement: A lift involving movement in 2 or more joints. i.e.: Shoulder
Press active joints: shoulder and elbow)
Photo credit: bodybuilding.com

5. 4. Dumbbell Upright Row. This exercise is also
a compound movement. You can move
considerable weight and spark large muscle
gains with the Upright Row. Also hit during this
exercise are the Traps. That being said, check
out #5
Photo credit: bodybuilding.com
5. Dumbbell Shrugs. This is more of a Trap
focused movement. You know how powerful a
strong set of traps looks. Upright rows and
Shrugs are the quickest way to get them. Traps
are great but you want to put a large amount of
focus on the “shoulder caps.” This is where #6
and #7 come into play. Photo Credit: bodybuilding.com

6. 6. Dumbbell Front Raises. With the Front
Raise you can do them simultaneously or in
alternating fashion. The key here is to DO
THEM! This movement adds roundness and
fullness to the front side of your shoulder.
Though the front side of the shoulder needs
work it is imperative to focus on the outer and
rear portions to develop a FULL SHOULDER. #7
and #7a will help with that.
Photo Credit: bodybuilding.com
7. Dumbbell Side Raises. This is a basic movement putting all possible emphasis on
the outer portion of the shoulder. When done consistently and with intensity you will see
width and roundness added to your shoulders. What does that mean? A better V-Taper.
7a. Variation of the Side Raise. Simply bend forward at the waist and pull the
movement towards the back. AKA the Rear Fly. This is the best way to isolate the Rear
Delt. This area is SO OFTEN neglected, but it really gives the shoulder the ultimate
look! (Why not have 17 exercises making this exercise #8 instead of listing this Variation
as 7A you ask?) Good Question! Moving on…
BACK
I would be amiss if I didn’t get into back training movements in this TOP 16 list. Training
all Chest and Biceps is a great way to create an imbalanced physique and injure
yourself. Working on balancing your body will result in a better look and stronger body.
So what do you do for your back?

7. Photo credit: bodybuilding.com
8. Dumbbell Row. As the Bench Press is to the Chest, the Row is to the BACK! You
thought you were done with those types of questions once you took the SAT or ACT
right? Well it’s back! The point is the ROW is Tried and True. It is one of the greatest
exercises for Back Development both for lats and rhomboids. Single Arm or Double Arm
Rows are both possible. You can do variations with elbows in or out. You can adjust
your hand position (which way your palms are facing [in, back or out]). All of these
variations keep the row interesting and stimulate extreme muscle growth. Whatever you
do, for your physiques shape, ROW!
(Want more? Part II is coming up later this month…)
Ian Lauer, CSCS
www.ianlauer.com

8. About the Author
Ian Lauer is an Actor, Fitness Model and a Certified Strength and Conditioning
Specialist via the NSCA (National Strength and Conditioning Association) as well as
Certified Spencer Pilates Instructor through NESTA (National Exercise & Sports
Trainers Association).
Ian graduated from The College of Wooster with a degree in Chemistry with a minor in
Theatre. After graduating, he acted professionally and performed in a number of stage
productions. He went to graduate school and earned a Master’s degree in Acting at
Wayne State University.
Ian is now the Asst. Fitness Director of Cooking Me Skinny, a new national weight loss
program launched fall of 2010, Team Powertec member, and a sponsored athlete of
Team Sci-Fit.
Powertec is a trusted brand in Weight Training and Fitness Home Gym Equipment
based out of Los Angeles. Powertec manufactures an entire list of strength equipment
for both domestic and commercial use, from basic weight lifting to look good and live
healthier, to functional training development being used in improving athletic
performance.
www.powertecfitness.com
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