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Dumbbell Punches

Beginner
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Alternating forward punches with light dumbbells that target shoulders and triceps to build upper body power and endurance; used for functional strength in sports and conditioning.

About Exercise

Equipment

Dumbbells

Difficulty

2/5 • Beginner

Primary Muscle Groups

Shoulders, Triceps

Secondary Muscles

Lats, Biceps, Abs, Traps

Popularity Score

6

Goals

Power
Endurance
Conditioning

Training Style

Functional Training
Martial Arts Conditioning

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Small

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Shoulders

9/10

Anterior Delts, Medial Delts

Triceps

8/10

Lateral Head

Lats

5/10

Biceps

4/10

Abs

3/10

Traps

3/10

Upper Traps

Programming

Typical Rep Range

12-30 reps

Rest Between Sets

30-60 seconds

How to Perform

Stand in athletic stance with feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent. Hold light dumbbells at chest height in guard position with elbows tucked.

  1. Engage core and maintain upright posture.
  2. Extend one arm forward in punching motion, rotating wrist so palm faces down.
  3. Keep elbow slightly bent, avoid locking out.
  4. Retract arm controlled back to guard.
  5. Immediately punch with opposite arm.
  6. Continue alternating sides smoothly.
  7. Maintain stable base throughout.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Punch from shoulder
  • Core tight
  • Controlled retraction
  • Neutral spine
  • Wrist rotates naturally
  • Eyes forward

Breathing

Exhale forcefully as you punch forward; inhale as you retract the arm.

Tempo

1-0-1

Range of Motion

Extend arm to full reach parallel to ground without hyperextending elbow; retract to chest height guard.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Use light weights to protect shoulders
  • Avoid hyperextending elbows
  • Engage core to prevent swaying
  • Warm up shoulders before starting
  • Clear space to avoid trips
  • Seek professional guidance if new to form

Spotting

Not typically needed; perform in open space with self-awareness of form.

Common Mistakes

  • Swinging with momentum
  • Locking elbows
  • Leaning body
  • Poor core engagement
  • Rushing retraction
  • Using heavy weights

When to Avoid

  • Shoulder impingement
  • Elbow joint issues
  • Recent upper body injury

Flexibility Needed

  • Shoulder flexion to 90 degrees
  • Wrist mobility for rotation

Build Up First

  • Basic athletic stance
  • Core engagement control
  • Bodyweight punch form

Also known as

Boxer Punches, Dumbbell Boxer Punches, Shadow Boxing Punches

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