Strong Arms are Sexy!
So many of us lack upper body strength. A strong upper body is so critical in everyday life. Arm strength is needed to carry groceries, shovel snow, perform the yard work or housework, and pick-up and cuddle pets or babies!
Nicely toned arms are what many of us desire. Afterall, our arms are the only body part we show off naked, for most of the year!
Here are my Favourite Upper Body Exercises:
1. The Push-Up – it’s a classic!
This exercise grows and develops your chest, triceps, shoulder and back muscles like no other move! Work to get your body as close to the ground as possible in the exercise if you don’t have any shoulder, or other upper body injuries.
If you can’t perform the push-up on your toes on the ground, try elevating your hands – place your hands on the wall or a bench. I often start my new clients at trying to complete 5 reps and build up from there.
Push-ups aren’t an easy exercise, many strong males and females struggle to complete push-ups in proper form. This is often because they don’t practice them enough – so get started now and you too, will be able to perform the Superman Push-up demonstrated below, one day!
2. Pull-Ups – for those who want a challenge!
Pull-ups are an advanced exercise that should only be performed under supervision, once you’ve built up a lot of upper body strength.
This exercise strengthens and recruits almost every arm and upper/mid back muscle you have, in addition to challenging your grip strength. Make sure to keep your core tight throughout this entire exercise. Being able to perform even 2 or 3 pull-ups in a row is a great feat!
3. The Arnold Press – yes, Arnold Schwarzenegger really did create this exercise!
I love shoulder day because this muscle group is so vital to being able to perform almost any upper body exercises. I’m a big fan of the Arnold press because it really works almost every shoulder muscle all in one move. Performing 10-12 Arnold Presses is a good target.
4. Triceps Dip – target those dreaded bat wings!
This exercise burns and isolates your triceps very well. It’s easy to perform anywhere, you don’t require anything more than a bench to perform it. Just remember to squeeze your elbows in tight behind your body throughout the exercise, to protect your shoulders. Competing 10 reps is a good goal.
To Sum it up…
Upper body strength is critical to completing so many everyday tasks. Be sure to include arm exercises like the ones outlined above, in your regular fitness routines. Please share your favourite arm exercises in the feedback section below. I would love to hear from you!