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Dumbbell Floor Wipers

Intermediate
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A core exercise where you hold dumbbells overhead while sweeping straight legs side to side, targeting abs and obliques to build rotational strength and stability.

About Exercise

Equipment

Dumbbells

Difficulty

3/5 • Intermediate

Primary Muscle Groups

Abs, Obliques

Secondary Muscles

Lower Back, Quads, Glutes, Hamstrings

Accessory Muscles

Shoulders

Popularity Score

5

Goals

Stability
Strength
Conditioning

Training Style

Functional Training
Calisthenics

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Small

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Abs

10/10

Rectus Abdominis, Transverse Abdominis

Obliques

9/10

External Obliques, Internal Obliques

Hip Flexors

7/10

Iliopsoas

Lower Back

5/10

Erector Spinae

Quads

4/10

Rectus Femoris

Glutes

4/10

Glute Max

Hamstrings

3/10

Shoulders

2/10

Anterior Delts

Programming

Typical Rep Range

8-15 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-90 seconds • Adjust based on fatigue

How to Perform

Lie flat on your back with knees locked and legs straight. Hold one dumbbell horizontally with both hands extended directly over your chest.

  1. Lift legs together until perpendicular to floor.
  2. Lower legs slowly to one side toward floor while keeping them straight and together.
  3. Engage core to return legs to center perpendicular position.
  4. Lower legs to opposite side in controlled motion.
  5. Repeat alternating sides.
  6. Keep arms stable and lower back pressed into floor throughout.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Press low back into floor
  • Keep legs straight and together
  • Control rotation with obliques
  • Arms locked overhead
  • Breathe steadily
  • Shoulders stay down

Breathing

Inhale as you lower legs to the side; exhale as you return to center and brace core.

Tempo

3-0-3

Range of Motion

Legs start perpendicular to floor and lower to within 6 inches of floor on each side without arching back.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Avoid if acute lower back pain exists
  • Start with bodyweight to master form
  • Keep movement controlled to prevent strain
  • Do not let opposite hip lift off ground
  • Use light weight initially
  • Stop if sharp pain occurs in back or shoulders

Spotting

No spotting required; perform solo with focus on form. Use safeties like reduced range if needed for control.

Common Mistakes

  • Swinging legs with momentum
  • Arching lower back off floor
  • Bending knees during sweep
  • Lifting shoulders
  • Using hip flexors dominantly
  • Rushing the movement

When to Avoid

  • Lower back injuries
  • Hip flexor strains
  • Shoulder impingement

Flexibility Needed

  • Full hip flexion range
  • Shoulder overhead mobility
  • Ankle dorsiflexion for leg control

Build Up First

  • Master plank hold
  • Basic core bracing
  • Controlled leg raises

Also known as

DB Floor Wipers, Dumbbell Windshield Wipers, Weighted Floor Wipers

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