What is the 5-minute arm workout routine, and are they effective?

Soniya
5-minute arm workout for everyone. (image via unsplash / sunday ii)
5-minute arm workout (Image via Unsplash/Sunday ii)

If you're looking for a quick workout you can do at home with minimal equipment, a quick 5-minute arm workout guide can help.

The exercises are simple and require minimal time. Remember to warm up before starting with this workout (don't skip this step — especially if you're new to resistance training.)


5-minute arms workout to do at home

Here are some quick and effective 5-minute arm workout:

1) Tricep dip

Tricep dips help in strengthening the arm muscles. (Image via Unsplash/Ketut Subiyanto)
Tricep dips help in strengthening the arm muscles. (Image via Unsplash/Ketut Subiyanto)

Tricep dips are a simple and effective exercise that targets the tricep muscles, located at the back of your upper arms.

To do a tricep dip:

  • Place your hands on the edge of a bench or chair, and extend your legs out in front of you.
  • Bend your elbows to a 90-degree angle, and push yourself back up to the starting position.
  • Repeat this exercise 10-12 times.

#2 Bicep curl

Bicep curls are a classic exercise that targets the bicep muscles, located at the front of the upper arms.

To do a bicep curl:

  • Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and dumbbells or water bottles in each hand.
  • Lift the weights toward your shoulders, keeping the elbows close to the sides.
  • Return the weights to the starting position after each set, and repeat for 10-15 reps.

3) Push-up

Push-ups are a full body exercise that targets the chest, triceps and shoulders, making them an excellent arm workout.

To do a push-up:

  • Lie face down on the floor with your arms straight out in front of you, and the legs straight behind you.
  • Bring your body up into a plank position by raising the hips and keeping the back straight.
  • Lower yourself down towards the ground, keeping the elbows close to your body and head looking forward.
  • Push yourself back up to the starting position, and repeat for 10-15 reps.

4) Tricep extension

Easy and effective workout (Image via Unsplash/Bruce Mars)
Easy and effective workout (Image via Unsplash/Bruce Mars)

Tricep extensions are a good exercise for building the triceps.

To do a tricep extension:

  • Start by standing with your feet hip-width apart and holding a dumbbell or water bottle in one hand.
  • Extend your arm up towards the ceiling, keeping the elbow close to your head.
  • Lower the weight down behind your head, keeping the elbow stationary.
  • Extend your arm back up towards the ceilingm and repeat for 10-15 reps on each arm.

5) Arm circle

Arm circles are a simple exercise that can help tone and strengthen the muscles in the arms.

To do an arm circle:

  • Start by standing with your feet shoulder-width apart and arms extended out to the sides.
  • Slowly circle your arms forward, making small circles, for 30 seconds.
  • Switch and circle the arms backward for another 30 seconds.

Tips for making the most of 5-minute arm workouts

Maintaining proper form and technique is important. (Image via Unsplash/dollar gill)
Maintaining proper form and technique is important. (Image via Unsplash/dollar gill)

1) Consistency is key. If you're going to do these 5-minute arm workouts, make sure that you do them regularly and consistently.

2) Use proper form. If you're not using proper form, the benefits of your workout will be much less than they could be and possibly even be counterproductive.

3) Warm up and cool down. This is especially important when it comes to 5-minute arm workout, as they require so much muscle activation for them to be effective (and safe).


Incorporating a quick 5-minute arm workout into your daily routine can be an effective way to tone and strengthen your arms. Tricep dips, bicep curls, push-ups, tricep extensions and arm circles are simple exercises that can be done anywhere, anytime.

Remember to start with lighter weights or modifications, and work your way up to heavier weights or more reps as you build strength. By making time for a quick 5-minute arm workout, you can achieve stronger, more toned arms in no time.

App download animated image Get the free App now