Gym machines may look cool, but when it comes to building muscle and strength in your upper body, all you really need is the humble dumbbell and this workout. Perfect if you’re pushed for time, this workout will take you just 30 minutes but leave your arms and chest feeling annihilated. All you'll need are (you guessed it) a pair of dumbbells and access to a weight bench.
Not only is the humble dumbbell one of the best pieces of home gym equipment you can own, but it’s also one of the best bits of kit to maximise upper body size and strength. "You get a greater range of motion with dumbbells, allowing you to get a full stretch, which is key to building bigger pecs and fighting off unsightly fat around your chest area.," says Sean Murphy, Global Personal Training Director at Ultimate Performance. "But another key benefit is they allow you to develop balanced muscle and strength, as you are performing each exercise with the same amount of weight in each hand."
