Dumbbells can be used for a variety of "cracking exercises" that strengthen the lower body and abdominal region, a fitness expert has said.

Kristoph Thompson wrote in ShortList that dumbbell exercises can also be used in conjunction with other fitness drills to give a full body workout.

He recommends four simple exercises that can help to "make the most" of a set of dumbbells.

These include the Clock-Face Lunge, which involves holding the weights and lunging with the right foot to the 12 "o clock, two, three and four "o clock positions, returning to the centre each time.

There is also the Romanian Dead-Lift, which involves hinging forward from the hips while keeping the knees slightly bent and maintaining straight arms until the hamstring muscle stretches.

Using a step, exercisers can also employ dumbbells for Calf Raises, Mr Thompson commented. These comprise standing on the balls of the feet, raising up to the tip-toes then lowering back until the heels are below the level of the toes.

Finally, dumbbells can be incorporated into sit-up routines, he said. Exercisers should hold the weights directly above the chest with arms outstretched then rise up, keeping the dumbbells above the head instead of out in front.

Dumbbells are free weights that with regular use can increase strength and muscle size.

Totally Fitness: From dumbbells to yoga, treadmills to multigyms: all your home fitness needs.