If you’d like to have rippling chest muscles not just for the summer, but all-year round, the best way to get them is to perform a dumbbell chest workout regularly. However, not all workouts of this variety are equal in ease and effectiveness. Some might require a weeks to show results, while others give you the muscles you need in the target areas that need them the most.

Below are some of the most effective and easiest chest workouts available today. All you need are a pair of dumbbells and a bench. Even with relatively light dumbbells, these workouts are proven effective and safe, even for beginners.

Bench Presses

Although bench presses are the easiest and most common form of dumbbell chest workouts, they are by far the most effective at developing your chest muscles.

For beginners, you can begin by doing 10 repetitions before taking a short rest, and gradually increase the number of repetitions as your body is getting used to the exercise. You’ll know once you’ve mastered a phase when the burning sensation in your arms and chest area are almost non-existent. When this happens, you may increase your repetitions per set. You may also do the neutral grip variation of this workout. The only difference is that instead of facing your feet, you palms should be facing each other.

Incline Bench Press

This variation of the typical bench press targets the upper pectoral muscles, shoulders and arms. While bench presses work with any type of bench, the inclined variety needs a workout bench in order to perform it accurately.

To perform the neutral grip version of the incline bench press, simply switch your palm’s position so that they are facing each other, rather than forward. To work on your lower pectoral muscles and upper abdomen area, you can adjust your bench so that it declines, rather than inclines.

Lying Fly

The lying fly specifically targets muscles in your shoulders, armpits, upper arms and the sides of your chest area. While these are a bit more challenging compared to the bench press, they are still easy to do. You may want to start with light dumbbells if you don’t have much upper body strength.

Similar to a bench press, there is an incline variation of this exercise. The incline variation specifically targets the upper and side chest area. The steps are the same, just simply adjust your workout bench.

Straight-Arm Pullover

Aside from working your pectoral muscles, this is also a great exercise for the triceps, shoulders and lateral muscles. This is a great workout for widening your upper body and expanding your rib cage.

Bent-Arm Pullover

Another type of pullover workout, the bent-arm pullover is used with heavier weights. The elbows remain flexed in order to support the extra weight. While the straight-arm pullover is better for beginners, this workout is used mainly by bodybuilders as it is more effective at building pectoral muscles quickly.

Additional Reminders When Performing a Dumbbell Chest Workout

As with all types of workouts, remember to perform breathing and warm-up exercises beforehand, especially if it is your first time. You may use spotters at the beginning, so you won’t strain yourself. When performing these exercises, remember to keep your movements controlled and steady, or else it will strain your muscles and cause you pain.

Remember that chest workouts using dumbbells are effective and easy if you follow the instructions right. You’ll know the workouts are working when you feel a tolerable burning sensation in the target areas. Your body may be sore during your first try, but this will vanish as you progress with your regimen. Most important of all, results don’t come in the blink of an eye – even if you don’t feel the change at first, just keep at it and remember to never rush or exert more effort than you’re capable of. Workouts should not only be healthy and effective, they must also be safe above all.