Do you have to be strong-armed into training your upper body? Many of us do, especially women. Most of us tend to focus on our lower bodies, while men tend to favor developing their upper bodies. Which sex has the winning strategy for a strong, sexy body?
Maybe this is the one battle of the sexes where both genders can contribute equally to victory. It’s all out war for full body symmetry. Not just for aesthetic appeal, but for something more important: remaining injury free.
If you’re beginning with your upper body, start with your shoulders. They permit more movement than any other joints. The shoulder joints need to remain flexible, strong and lubricated to help prevent injuries. A winning combination for sculpting shapely shoulders is the shoulder raise combo. It throws a little wrench in your routine (a good thing).
You’ll want to start out light–three- to six-pound weights–because form is critical. The weights will feel heavier with increasing repetitions.
Looking straight ahead and standing with feet hip-width apart, grasp light dumbbells in each hand with your palms facing in at your sides.
With your chest out, abdominals tight and spine neutral, contract your shoulder blades and lift the weights up and in front of you just to shoulder height. Then, slowly lower your arms to your thighs. Without pausing, lift arms up and out to sides to shoulder height. Then, slowly lower your arms to the starting position. Complete for 12 to 15 repetitions.
Worried about being the weaker sex just because your upper body is weak? You don’t need a shoulder to cry on–you can shoulder the burden alone through effective training. You can get strong and sculpted while retaining your feminine wiles. And that upper-body training you’ve been sweating will soon have you looking sensational. But keep up the pace, because men will be hot on your tail (I mean trail).
You’ll still have the advantage, though. You can always drop your weights and stroke their egos.
