You don't need the gym to build stronger shoulders, just a pair of light dumbbells and these 7 upper-body moves

a woman performing dumbbell raises by a pool
(Image credit: Getty Images)

If you're less about muscle building and more about focusing on developing strength, definition and muscle endurance then we think you'll enjoy this Barre-inspired workout especially designed to target your shoulders. All you'll need is a set of light dumbbells and this seven-move routine from fitness trainer, Britany Williams

Williams uses a set of 5 lb dumbbells, which are typically quite affordable from places like Amazon and local sports shops. Alternatively, you can adjust the weight on a pair of the best adjustable dumbbells if that’s what you usually train with at home.

To complete this workout, perform 10 reps of each exercise and complete two rounds. If you're worried about maintaining momentum, you’ll be glad to know you can take a minute's rest between each round. Also feel free to take short breaks between each exercise to keep good form and energy right through to the end.

Watch Britany Williams 7-Move Shoulder Workout

Barre is a form of workout inspired by ballet and incorporates elements from Pilates, dance, and yoga. It focuses on small, isometric movements to enhance strength, flexibility and endurance. While a traditional ballet barre is often used for this style of exercise, you can achieve similar results by adopting the core principles of Barre: high repetitions and low-impact exercises.

In this instance, you are incorporating a pair of light dumbbells to develop strength in the upper body and sculpt the shoulder muscles. When you introduce light weights into traditional Barre exercises, you can make the movements more challenging and target the muscles more effectively. 

As we mentioned earlier, Barre routines are known for their high-repetition, low-impact exercises that focus on small, controlled movements. When you add some dumbbells into the mix, your muscles are subjected to prolonged periods of contraction, training them to have greater endurance.

The combination of high repetitions and resistance also ensures to target the slow-twitch muscle fibers, which are responsible for endurance and definition. This approach encourages muscle tone without necessarily adding bulk, making it ideal for those after a lean and defined physique. 

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Jessica Downey
Fitness Writer

Jessica has been a fitness writer at Tom’s Guide since 2023, bringing three years of experience writing about health, fitness, and the great outdoors. Her passion for exercise began during her childhood, where she spent weekends hiking and competing in local athletics club events. After earning a master’s degree in journalism from Cardiff University, Jessica found the perfect way to combine her love of storytelling and fitness into a career.

Jessica is passionate about testing fitness gear and tech, using her reviews to help readers make informed buying decisions. She ran her first marathon in April 2024, finishing it in 3 hours and 48 minutes. Through her training, she’s developed a deep understanding of what it takes to grow as a runner, from effective workouts and recovery techniques to selecting the right gear for every challenge.

When she’s not at her desk, Jessica enjoys spending time in the kitchen crafting new recipes, braving cold water swims and hiking.