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Dumbbell Burpee

Intermediate
Home Friendly

Full-body explosive exercise combining squat, plank, push-up, and deadlift with dumbbells, targeting quads, glutes, chest, and core to build strength, power, and cardiovascular endurance.

About Exercise

Equipment

Dumbbells

Difficulty

4/5 • Intermediate

Primary Muscle Groups

Quads, Glutes, Chest

Secondary Muscles

Shoulders, Forearms

Popularity Score

7

Goals

Strength
Power
Conditioning
Endurance

Training Style

CrossFit
HIIT
Functional Training

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Medium

Noise Level

Moderate

Muscle Breakdown

Quads

9/10

Rectus Femoris, Vastus Lateralis, Vastus Medialis

Glutes

8/10

Glute Max

Chest

8/10

Mid Chest

Abs

7/10

Rectus Abdominis

Triceps

7/10

Lateral Head

Hamstrings

6/10

Biceps Femoris

Shoulders

5/10

Anterior Delts

Forearms

5/10

Flexors

Programming

Typical Rep Range

8-15 reps

Rest Between Sets

30-60 seconds • Shorter for conditioning sets

How to Perform

Stand with feet hip-width apart, holding a dumbbell in each hand at your sides, core braced and spine neutral.

  1. Squat down and place dumbbells on floor shoulder-width apart.
  2. Jump or step feet back to high plank position, gripping dumbbells.
  3. Lower chest to floor between dumbbells for push-up, then press up.
  4. Jump or step feet forward to squat position behind dumbbells.
  5. Drive through feet to stand and lift dumbbells to sides.
  6. Lower dumbbells and repeat.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Keep core tight
  • Eyes forward
  • Drive through heels
  • Shoulders over wrists in plank
  • Neutral spine always

Breathing

Inhale during squat and plank descent; exhale forcefully during push-up and stand-up.

Tempo

2-0-1

Range of Motion

Squat until thighs parallel to floor; plank straight from head to heels; push-up until chest nearly touches floor; stand fully upright with hips extended.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Use hex dumbbells to prevent rolling
  • Step instead of jump if joint issues
  • Maintain neutral spine to avoid back strain
  • Start with lighter weights for form
  • Land softly if including jumps

Spotting

No spotting required; perform in open space with safeties if adding jumps.

Common Mistakes

  • Arching lower back during transitions
  • Letting dumbbells roll
  • Incomplete push-up range
  • Knees caving inward on squat
  • Rushing without control

When to Avoid

  • Acute lower back pain
  • Knee or ankle injuries
  • Shoulder impingement

Flexibility Needed

  • Adequate hip and ankle flexion
  • Shoulder extension for plank

Build Up First

  • Master basic burpee
  • Proficient squat and push-up form

Also known as

DB Burpee, Weighted Burpee, Dumbbell Thruster Burpee

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