Upper body day staples

1. Assisted Pull-Ups — 3×6–10

2. Wide-Grip Lat Pulldown — 3×8–10

3. Incline Machine Chest Press — 3×8–10

4. Chest-Supported Row — 3×10–12

5. Cable Lateral Raise — 3×12–15

6. Incline Dumbbell Curl — 3×10–12

7. Rope Pushdown — 3×10–12

1 day agoEdited to

... Read moreBased on my experience incorporating these exercises into my upper body routine, I've found that focusing on controlled movements and proper form is crucial for maximizing benefits and avoiding injury. Assisted pull-ups are excellent for beginners or those building strength, as they reduce the load while targeting your back and biceps effectively. I typically use a slow tempo, emphasizing the eccentric phase to increase muscle engagement. Wide-grip lat pulldowns complement pull-ups by further isolating the latissimus dorsi muscles, helping to develop a wider back. Pairing these with incline machine chest presses creates a well-rounded workout by balancing back and chest muscle activation, which is essential for posture and shoulder health. Including chest-supported rows helps reduce lower back strain, allowing you to focus on the rhomboids and mid-traps. For the shoulders, cable lateral raises are excellent for targeting the medial deltoids, a key area for that rounded shoulder appearance. Incorporating incline dumbbell curls and rope pushdowns adds isolation work for the biceps and triceps, promoting balanced arm development. I often vary rep ranges between 8 to 15 to mix strength and hypertrophy benefits. Remember, progressive overload and consistent training are key to seeing results. Also, pay attention to proper warm-up and stretching, especially when working through multiple upper body muscles to improve recovery and reduce soreness.

Related posts

Upper Body dumbbell workout 4 week transformation
Julia | All Women & PP Trainer

Julia | All Women & PP Trainer

9243 likes

A 'Before and After' comparison showing a woman's back transformation, with the 'After' image displaying a more toned and muscular back, labeled 'Sexy back workout'.
A woman performing seated cable rows at a gym, viewed from the back, with text indicating 'Seated cable rows (3x10)'.
A woman performing assisted pull-ups at a gym, viewed from the side, with text indicating 'Assisted pull ups (3x until failure)'.
POV: your next upper body workout ⭐️
Hey yall here is my go-to workout for a sexy and toned back: The workouts: - Seated cable row (3x10) - Assisted pull ups (3x until failure) - DB flys (3x10) - Bent over rows (3x10) - Lat pull down (3x10) I usually hit upper body once a week or every two weeks depending on the season (bu
Denise Hamdan 🤍

Denise Hamdan 🤍

4615 likes

A woman's back view, with dotted lines illustrating an hourglass shape, promoting a beginner upper body workout to achieve this figure. Text overlay reads "HOURGLASS UPPER BODY WORKOUT *BEGINNER VERSION* SWIPE."
A woman performing close-grip pull-downs on a gym machine, viewed from behind, demonstrating the first exercise for an hourglass upper body workout.
A woman performing barbell rows in a gym, bent over with the barbell, viewed from behind, as part of an hourglass upper body workout routine.
Beginner hourglass upper body workout
Only 4 exercises for this beginner workout! This is perfect for beginners or anyone who wants to enhance their hourglass shape.⏳ During this workout we focus on growing our back and shoulders. The bigger your back & shoulders are, the smaller your waist appears, giving you the perfect hourglass
Sophia Cepero

Sophia Cepero

2559 likes

A woman in black gym attire stands in a gym with punching bags. Text overlay reads "HOURGLASS ROUTINE Slim-Thick Workout Routine" with a graphic of an hourglass figure. The image promotes a workout plan for sculpting an hourglass shape.
Text outlines a 7-day gym routine focusing on glutes/legs (3 days), back/abs (2 days), arms (1 day), and 1 rest day. It emphasizes hypertrophy rep ranges and deep core work for a feminine shape without bulky obliques.
Details Day 1 of the workout: Glutes + Hamstrings (Glute Isolation Day). It lists exercises like Hip Thrust Machine, Cable Kickbacks, Seated Leg Curl, Romanian Deadlifts, Glute Hyperextensions, and Abduction Machine, with accompanying line art illustrations.
Slim-Thick Gym Split: Glutes, Waist & Upper Body⏳
How I’m Sculpting My Hourglass Figure at the Gym (Machines + Free Weights Only) So I’m gonna let you in on the exact workout routine I follow to build and keep my hourglass shape—all with machines and free weights, no random HIIT classes or barbell squats needed. Just straight up sculpting. This
Chalie_Baker

Chalie_Baker

3576 likes

Upper Body + Core To Tighten And Loose Areas
Add these 3 exercises to your next upper body and core day to tighten up any loose areas🔥 #fatburningworkout #absworkout #corework #upperbodyworkouts #beginnerfriendly Los Angeles
Kelsageorge_

Kelsageorge_

504 likes

Upper Body workout transform in 4 weeks
#upperbody #dumbbellworkout #dumbbellonlyworkout #fyp
Julia | All Women & PP Trainer

Julia | All Women & PP Trainer

1485 likes

AT HOME UPPER BODY WORKOUT
4 sets/10 reps each! save and try on your next upper body day! #athomeworkout #athomeworkoutroutine #upperbodyworkout #upperbodyworkouts #workoutsformoms
Marisa

Marisa

856 likes

Try this Upper Body Workout At Home!
Try this finisher at the end of your upper body workout for more balanced physique and toned upper body. Exercises: 1. Front raises - 3 x 8-12 reps 2. Arnold press - 3 x 8-12 reps 3. Lateral raises - 3 x 8-12 reps 4. Bent overflys - 3 x 8-12 reps 5. Around the world - 3 x 8-12 reps #hom
Laura

Laura

421 likes

Upper Body Dumbbell Workout
LETS GET TONE TOGETHER 💪 Plz excuse my face, my arms to felt like they were about to fall off during this workout. I was using 10lbs but use whatever weight you’re comfy with! After this circuit, I finished with some cardio 🏃‍♀️ Need more girl friends! Follow me on here and IG @morgan.panko
Morgan Pankow

Morgan Pankow

149 likes

A woman with her back to the camera is seated at a gym machine, holding a bar behind her neck. Text overlay reads 'MY FAVORITE UPPER BODY MACHINE WORKOUTS'.
Two split images show a woman performing seated cable rows. The left image shows her pulling the handle towards her, and the right shows her extending her arms. Text overlay indicates 'SEATED CABLE ROWS 10 REPS 3 SETS'.
Two split images show a woman performing lat pulldowns. The left image shows her arms extended upwards, holding the bar, and the right shows her pulling the bar down to her chest. Text overlay indicates 'LAT PULL DOWN 10 REPS 3 SETS'.
MY FAV UPPER BODY MACHINE WORKOUTS💪🏽
heyy yall here are some of my machine only favorite upper body workouts that helped with those back and arm gains 💪🏽 -First we got seated cable rows. These are great for hitting those back muscles and not too difficult to do either especially for beginners! - Second, lat pull down! Don’t ever sk
Denise Hamdan 🤍

Denise Hamdan 🤍

257 likes

A woman in a black sports bra and red shorts performs a lateral raise with a dumbbell. Text overlay reads "My Workout Routine for a Slim Upper Body" and lists "Back, Shoulders, Triceps" as focus areas, with arrows indicating muscle groups.
Text outlines a toning routine focusing on compound movements, including 3 upper back, 2 middle/lower back, 3 triceps, and 2-3 shoulder exercises. It also details a 20-minute HIIT pre-workout and 10 minutes of dynamic stretching, mentioning an ab workout in the description.
This image explains that excess arm fat results from calorie surplus, influenced by genetics and hormones. It emphasizes that spot reduction is a myth and total body fat loss through a calorie deficit (300-500 daily) is crucial for reducing arm fat.
Get a Toned & Slim Upper Body: Workouts + Tips
🍋How to Prevent Arm Fat: Maintain a balanced diet and exercise regularly to prevent fat accumulation. Avoid insulin-spiking snacks and prioritize nutrient-rich foods to support weight management goals. Additionally, prioritize sufficient sleep, as inadequate sleep can hinder weight loss efforts.
Chalie_Baker

Chalie_Baker

250 likes

🔥 Upper Body Sculpt + Fat Burn 🔥
Slim your arms, sculpt your back, and define your abs with this fat-burning upper body workout! Expect to burn 700+ calories and finish STRONG with cardio boosters. ✅ Sculpted arms & shoulders ✅ Toned back & abs ✅ High fat burn for definition Tip: Short rest, steady pace, and contro
Peytyn Lofland

Peytyn Lofland

739 likes

How to Tone your Upper-body 💪🏽
Let’s build that hourglass! ⏳ #upperbodyideas #upperbodyworkout #upperbody #biceps #triceps #shoulders #backday #chestday #homeworkout #homeworkouts
Jayda Grimes

Jayda Grimes

874 likes

Upper body workout! Day 2 🏋🏾‍♀️
Hey friends were focus on upper body today! Please take all workouts slow. Focus on form and less on speed 💜 #homeworkout
Lovediamondly

Lovediamondly

707 likes

UPPER BODY WORKOUT db only 🤍
Join the 28-day Summer Shape-Up Challenge. Real results. Real women. Real change. #upperbodyworkout #upperbodyexercises #workout #fitnesslifestyle #Fitness
Brenda Antone

Brenda Antone

801 likes

Upper Body Gym Day
Here’s my machine rotation for my upper body days ! Slowly but surely increasing the weight and adding new machines #upperbodycircuit #gymbeginner #vsgjourney #gastricsleevejourney
YoAdrienne

YoAdrienne

448 likes

Toned Upper Body Workouts 🔄 Building Muscle Tips✨✨
So, you’ve got upper body goals. And now you’re wondering: Do I want my arms to look tight and toned? Or do I want to build them up and see real muscle definition pop out of my sleeves? Either way, you’re in the right place. This post is going to get super real, super detailed, and super support
Chalie_Baker

Chalie_Baker

346 likes

Do Upper body workout day with me
Bra fat is one of the hardest part of the back to get rid of. I started doing these and I am loving the results. Give it a try! 👌🏾👌🏾 #summerbod #bodytransformation #unfiltered #Lemon8Diary #healthylifestyle2024 #workout #motivation #bodycare #selfcareroutine #selfcare
Jodian Marie

Jodian Marie

32 likes

Upper Body | dumbbell vs. band
Upper body exercises that you can do at home whether you have a set of dumbbells or bands. Don’t be fooled! These bands are just as challenging as the dumbbells 💪🏻 Save it and share it with a friend! I’m using my bands 🫶🏻 @movewithhera -THE WORKOUT- ▫️front raises | 3 x 10 ▫️single arm
Maria Teixeira

Maria Teixeira

91 likes

You’re going to want to save this for your next upper body+back day❤️‍🔥
Targeting stubborn back rolls and sculpting my upper body one workout at a time 💪🏽🔥 3x10 across the board. Control every rep. This isn’t about quick fixes—it’s consistency, discipline, and showing up even when it’s hard. Results don’t lie… stay locked in you got this🥰 #backprogress #upp
STARR

STARR

75 likes

Full upper body..
Imagine 8 weeks from now… Your waistline curves inward. Your glutes look fuller and lifted. Your stomach sits flatter in every outfit. Your body finally looks shaped — not just smaller. Not “trying.” Built. Because RELOAD isn’t cardio chaos. It’s designed to: ✔ Build round, ele
Sierra Hayes

Sierra Hayes

187 likes

Upper body day DONE ✅
#workout🏋️ #npc #npcwellness
Shawna Drake

Shawna Drake

412 likes

Upper Body Workout | Home Bands
Upper body workout you can do at home with just long bands! These bands are just as challenging as dumbbells and the high rep routine will have you sweating 💧Save it and share it with a friend! I’m using my bands 🫶🏻 @movewithhera -EXERCISES- ▫️shoulder press ▫️single arm row ▫️lateral rai
Maria Teixeira

Maria Teixeira

111 likes

A woman in green workout attire takes a mirror selfie in a gym, with text overlayed: 'HOW TO build the perfect UPPER BODY workout 5 STEP GUIDE'. The Lemon8 logo and username are in the bottom left.
A black background with white text titled 'Build an Upper Body Day' and 'Start Here'. It lists different focus options for an upper body workout, such as Push, Pull, Arms, Upper (no arms), Shoulders, Back, and Chest.
A black background with white text titled 'Pick 2-4 COMPOUND EXERCISES'. It details various shoulder exercises, including different variations of presses, lateral raises, front raises, upright rows, and around the worlds.
How To Build an Upper Body Workout
You guys loved my leg day version of this and asked for an upper body one as well! 💪🏼 so here she is 🤗 A full guide breakdown to how to create an upper body workout! I recommend hitting upper body 2-3 a week depending on your goals. If you want to grow and define a particular muscle group
Jules

Jules

214 likes

upper body definition day
I love this upper body workout to maintain definition without adding more muscle mass! The goal here is to really go through the movements slow, with a weight that is challenging enough for these rep counts! Since the reps are a bit higher for most of the movements, a moderate weight is good!
Jules

Jules

674 likes

Upper body day 💪🏼
#upperbodyfit #hugemuscles💪🏼 #gymideas #upperbodyday #upperbodyideas
Aderfi Burgos

Aderfi Burgos

53 likes

Home vs. Gym Upper Body
Here are some exercises you can easily do at home with a long resistance band! If you don’t have dumbbells, a long resistance band is just as challenging. These are great for anyone starting out! I’m using my bands 🫶🏻 @movewithhera -EXERCISES- ▫️Front Raises ▫️Bent Over Rows ▫️Lateral Ra
Maria Teixeira

Maria Teixeira

97 likes

Upper body day
Don’t forget that warm up!! Pull ups 3xAMAP Shoulder press 4x 6/8 Lateral raise 3x failure Superset Rear delt & chest fly machine 4x 12,12 Tricep push down 3x failure Dips 4x failure #healthylifestyle2024 #workout #workoutroutine #gym #gymgirl #strongwomen
Sierra Sipila

Sierra Sipila

29 likes

Upper Body Sculpt Workout
Upper body sculpt to define your arms, back, and abs! These exercises can be done at the gym or at home if you’re more of a home body or simply can’t get to the gym. I know that for a lot of people making it work at home is key to staying consistent. T H E W O R K O U T 3 rounds | 30-45 second
Maria Teixeira

Maria Teixeira

127 likes

🍑Grow Big Glutes & Visible Abs + Slim Upper Body✨ℹ️
Hey luvs, If you're on a mission to tone your upper body and build impressive glutes while keeping that waistline trim, you're in the right place. Let’s dive deep into how you can achieve this balance through targeted exercise, smart nutrition, and lifestyle changes. My guide will c
Chalie_Baker

Chalie_Baker

761 likes

upper body day✨🥰
#gymmotivation #gymgirlie #upperbodyworkout
Jasoni Louise

Jasoni Louise

39 likes

Upper body day workout hourglass addition
#upperbodyday #upperbodygoals #upperbodyroutine #workout #workoutwithme
Hanna Pierce

Hanna Pierce

7 likes

POV it’s Upper body Workout Hourglass edition 🤍
#upperbodyworkout #upperbody #workoutforwomen #gymtime💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼 #hourglassbodyworkout
Hannah Parson

Hannah Parson

99 likes

Upper Body Day💪🏽
Upper body day matters too 💪🏽 Strong arms, back, shoulders, and core help create balance, improve posture, build overall strength, and give that toned athletic look. Don’t skip it just because leg day gets all the attention 😭🔥 A balanced body = better results, better shape, and less risk of i
Missy Williams💕

Missy Williams💕

1 like

A woman in athletic wear flexes her bicep in a gym, with the text 'DUMBBELL & MACHINE UPPERBODY WORKOUT' overlayed, introducing the exercise routine.
A woman performs a bent-over dumbbell row, supporting herself on a bench with one hand. An inset image shows the exercise setup, with text 'Bent over dumbbell row 4x12'.
A woman performs lat pulldowns on a machine, viewed from the back, showcasing her back muscles. An inset image shows the lower position of the exercise, with text 'lat pulldown 4x12'.
DUMBBELL & MACHINE UPPERBODY WORKOUT
Save this for your next upperbody workout ⤵️ 4x12 Bent over DB row 4x12 Lat pull downs 4x12 Seated close grip cable row 4x12 Straight arm Lat pull over 4x12 Face pulls 4x12 Rear delt pull aparts #lemon8partner #workout #upperbodyworkout #backday #workouttutorial
Peyton Fallis

Peyton Fallis

92 likes

45min busy girl upper body workout❤️‍🔥
this one is for the busy girls who hate running around the gym to switch equipment! ⚡️banded (or bodyweight) pull-ups, until failure x3 sets ⚡️BB military press, 8-12 reps x3 sets ⚡️seated cable row, 8-12 reps X3 sets ⚡️cable bicep curl, 8-12 reps x3 sets ⚡️cable tricep push-down, 8-12 rep
cadence | CPT

cadence | CPT

17 likes

A woman in a gym takes a mirror selfie, wearing a tank top and shorts. Text overlay reads "workout split HOURGLASS," introducing a workout plan for an hourglass figure. The Lemon8 logo and username are visible at the bottom.
A woman from behind, wearing a green sports bra and pink leggings, showcases a back workout routine. Text lists exercises like assisted pull-ups, lat pulldowns, seated cable rows, cable face pulls, kneeling SA pull-downs, and gorilla rows. The Lemon8 logo is present.
A woman from behind, wearing a green sports bra and green leggings, demonstrates a glutes workout. Text details exercises including banded warm-up, hip thrusts, glute hyperextensions, smith good mornings, and hip abduction pyramid. The Lemon8 logo is visible.
LOWER/UPPER BODY SPLIT FOR HOURGLASS FIGURE⏳✨
a little sample upper/lower body workout plan for that small waist big 🍑 one day focuses on glutes, the next is upper body/back focused✨ these are actually straight from the hourglass program on my app hehe🥰 one piece of advice i wish someone had told me earlier.. don’t neglect the upper body!
Cassidy

Cassidy

93 likes

This is your sign to never sleep on upper body day
#gymtherapy #gymsession #upperbodyworkout #bodytransformation #embracevulnerability
Hannah Parson

Hannah Parson

93 likes

Upper body day
#gymworkout #gymmotivation #upperbodyworkout #gymfit
MelyGuerra🌹

MelyGuerra🌹

45 likes

An infographic titled 'UPPER BODY YOGA FLOW' showing a woman demonstrating six yoga poses: Arm Circles, Shoulder Rolls, Thread the Needle, Seated Twist, Cow Face Arms, and Cat-Cow, with instructions for each. The poses are designed to release, strengthen, and reset the upper body.
Upper Body Yoga Flow for Strength & Flexibility
Release tension, improve posture, and strengthen your upper body with this simple yoga flow 🤍 Perfect for long workdays, screen fatigue, or when your shoulders feel tight. Just a few minutes a day can help you feel lighter, more open, and energized ✨ Save this routine & come back to it d
NourishWithMK

NourishWithMK

143 likes

WORKOUT SPLIT FOR GLUTE GAINS AND LEAN UPPER BODY🍑
I have been through a lot of different routines and this is the one that works best for me! I used to lift really heavy on upper body days and because of genetics and my protein intake I did get bulkier than my personal physique goals, so for me body weight / light weight high rep works best!
Maddy 🫧🎧🍵👟

Maddy 🫧🎧🍵👟

58 likes

See more