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Dumbbell power

Power & sport · Dumbbells · 25–30 min

Moderate weights moved fast — the research sweet spot for power is 30–70% of your max, with every lifting phase done at full speed.

How to do it

3–4 sets of 4–8 fast reps with light-to-moderate dumbbells. Rest fully between sets (1–2+ minutes). Speed is the whole point.

The exercises

1

Dumbbell swings

3–4 × 8–10

Hips snap forward; the arms are just ropes.

2

Push press

3 × 4–6

Dip at the knees, drive the weight overhead in one go.

3

Goblet squat jumps

3 × 4–5

Light dumbbell, soft landings.

4

Fast step-ups

3 × 5 per leg

Light dumbbells in hand; drive up fast.

5

Fast sit-to-stands

3 × 5

Hold a light dumbbell at your chest; stand up briskly.

Good to know

Pick a weight you can genuinely accelerate. If the last rep of a set grinds, the set went one rep too long — power hates fatigue.