8 Best Upper-Body Exercises To Get Fit

Pushups

An essential upper-body move targeting chest, shoulders, triceps, and core. Start in a plank position, lower until chest nearly touches the ground, then push back up.

Pull-ups

Compound exercise engaging upper back, biceps, shoulders, arms, and core. Grip overhead bar, pull body up until chin clears the bar, then lower with control.

Dumbbell Shoulder Press

Targets deltoid muscles, also engaging triceps and core. Sit on bench, hold dumbbells at shoulder height, press overhead, then lower back down.

Bent-over Rows

Effective for upper back muscles, including rhomboids and rear deltoids. Stand, hinge forward at hips, pull weight towards lower ribcage, then lower with control.

Bench Press

Primarily targets chest muscles, engaging shoulders and triceps. Lie on bench, grip barbell wider than shoulders, lower to chest, then press back up.

Triceps Dips

Targets triceps, engaging chest, shoulders, and core. Position between parallel bars, lower body by bending elbows, then push back up.

Biceps Curls

Isolation exercise for biceps, can be done with dumbbells or barbells. Stand, curl dumbbells toward shoulders, then lower with control.

Lateral Raises

Targets deltoid muscles for size and definition. Stand, raise dumbbells out to sides until shoulder height, then lower with control.