The following exercises will strengthen the "trapezius" muscle which helps to pull the shoulder blades together and down to make you look taller and leaner instantly.
The Shrug (Great warm-up!)
-Grab a light dumbbell in each hand. (palms facing inward)
-Stand with your feet hip width apart.
-Lift your shoulders towards your ears and hold for 5 secs.
-Repeat for 1 minute.
Trap Walk (Great warm-up!)
-Begin walking.
-First, bend elbows 90 degrees and raise to shoulder height with palms facing forward.
-Bring elbows and forearms together and back while walking.
-Repeat for 1 minute.
-Next, begin in the same starting position but raise the arms up and down while walking.
-Repeat for 1 minute.
-Last, alternate between both movements while walking.
-Keep alternating between both movements for 1 minute.
Overhead Press (BONUS Move...adds triceps, legs and core!)
-Grab one light dumbbell with both hands or one in each hand.
-Stand with feet hip-width apart.
-Lift right foot behind you.
-While balancing on left leg bend the elbows to lower the weight behind the head.
-Press the weight back upward.
-Repeat for 30 secs.
-Switch to the left foot.
-Repeat for 30 secs.
High-Low-Grab a light dumbbell with both hands.
-Stand with feet hip-width apart.
-Begin with dumbbell downward below the waist.
-Raise the dumbbell overhead then lower to starting position.
-Repeat for 1 minute.
Advanced variation:
-Bend at the hips and lower the dumbbell to the floor.
-Raise the dumbbell overhead.
-Repeat.
(CAUTION: AVOID unsupported forward flexion if you are at the beginner or intermediate levels or have lower back issues.)
Got a fitness question? Email, carolynmastin@woaitv.com
For more detailed info check out
womenshealthmag.com
