According to expert lifters, a beginner must start with light dumbbells. It prevents injuries or muscular and joint strains. Further, it also keeps the beginner safe from tendons and ligament damage. However, if the lifter feels the dumbbells light, they can increase the number of sets or repetitions. Ideally, a beginner can start with 2 to 3 pounds of dumbbells in each hand and perform 12 to 15 repetitions. These repetitions can include lateral rise, single-arm row, hammer curls, upright rows, triceps and bicep curls etc.