You rarely need to reach for the heaviest weights in the squat rack to get an effective upper-body workout.

In fact, Brittni Johnson , certified Pilates instructor at BetterMe , says often all you need is a pair of extra-light dumbbells to build strength and mobility—as she's demonstrated with this Pilates-inspired circuit.

“What makes light dumbbells particularly effective is the freedom they give you,” she tells Fit&Well . You may like

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