Basic Dumbbell Exercises for Wheelchair Users
Updated: Aug 26, 2020

Exercising as a wheelchair user can be daunting. Finding a wheelchair accessible gym, the right equipment, the right trainer and battling those looks which try to demean your very existence in the gym. While I would advise you to not worry about those demeaning looks and look for an opportunity to go to the gym if you can. However, while you are building your confidence to go to the gym, why waste time? STRENTOR presents basic dumbbell exercises that can be done at home on your wheelchair.
Dumbbell Bench Press: The dumbbell bench press is a mainstay of workout enthusiasts worldwide. It is a classic move for building a bigger, stronger chest. As such, it is often placed first in mass-building chest workouts.
Type: Strength
Main Muscle Worked: Chest
Equipment: Dumbbell
Level: Intermediate
Rating: 9.2
Benefits:
Builds bigger pectorals
Also works the triceps and deltoids, particularly the front heads
One side cannot compensate for the other, as in the barbell bench press
Incline Dumbbell Row: The incline dumbbell row is an upper-body exercise targeting the lats (latissimus dorsi) and upper-back muscles, as well as the biceps. Performing it on an incline bench helps target the lower lats. Dumbbell row variations are usually performed for moderate to high reps, such as 8-12 reps per set or more, as part of the upper-body or back-focused portion of a workout.
Type: Strength
Main Muscle Worked: Middle Back
Equipment: Dumbbell
Level: Intermediate
Rating: 8.8
Benefits:
Builds upper-back size and strength
Positioning on the incline bench enforces strict technique and limits momentum
Works the biceps and rear shoulders
Seated Dumbbell Shoulder Press: The seated dumbbell shoulder press is a popular exercise for building muscle and strength in the shoulders. The triceps also work hard in this lift. Many lifters find using dumbbells to be more comfortable and shoulder-friendly for this press variation than a barbell. This can be the primary pressing movement on an upper-body or shoulder day, or an effective accessory movement later in a workout.
Type: Strength
Main Muscle Worked: Shoulders
Equipment: Dumbbell
Level: Intermediate
Rating: 9
Benefits:
One shoulder cannot compensate for the other, like it can during the seated barbell shoulder press
The range of motion is not forced like it is with the seated barbell shoulder press
Builds shoulder muscle and strength
Particularly good for the front heads of the shoulder
Triceps receive a good workout, too
Seated Dumbbell Biceps Curl: The seated dumbbell biceps curl is a popular exercise for building bigger biceps. While curls can effectively be performed standing as well, performing them seated can enforce strict form and perhaps boost the mind-muscle connection. Like most curl variations, these are usually performed for moderate to high reps, such as 8-12 reps per set or more.
Type: Strength
Main Muscle Worked: Biceps
Equipment: Dumbbell
Level: Intermediate
Rating: 8.6
Benefits:
Builds bigger, stronger biceps
Great for building the biceps peak
Eliminates lower-body momentum and enforces strict form
Seated Dumbbell Triceps Press: The seated triceps press is a popular arm-building exercise that targets the triceps with a single dumbbell held by both hands, extending it up behind your head. While you can go surprisingly heavy on this movement, it is usually performed for moderate to high reps, such as 8-12 reps per set or more, as part of the upper-body or arm-focused portion of a workout. If you are going heavy, having someone help get the weight into position is a good idea
Type: Strength
Main Muscle Worked: Triceps
Equipment: Dumbbell
Level: Intermediate
Rating: 8.9
Benefits:
Builds stronger and bigger triceps
Great way to target the long head of the triceps
Can go heavier than other triceps isolation movements
Performing this move seated eliminates any balance challenge and allows you to focus on the triceps
If you have any questions on how to manage these exercises or need advice on equipment substitutes in case, you do not have a dumbbell and a bench, please reach out to me and I will help design a workout plan curated to your fitness goals, keeping in mind your living conditions.