Shape up those shoulders!

Whether you want to shape up and tone your shoulders, or strengthen the muscles that stabilize the shoulders in order to rehab an injury, these exercises are extremely effective.

Using either a resistance tube with handles or a set of light dumbbells, perform the following exercises for 30 seconds each. Rest for 30 seconds, then repeat 3-4 more times.

1. Standing on the middle of your tube with one foot, lift your arms straight out to the side. Lift and lower your arms using a small range of motion. Down 3 inches, up 3 inches, keeping the tension on the shoulders for the entire 30 seconds.

2.  Next, using your tube, lower your arms with your palms facing your thighs and lift both arms straight out to the front, lifting and lowering for 30 seconds.

3.  Holding your tube or dumbbells, press the arms up over your head then lower them until your hands are beside your ears, then continue to press up and lower down for 30 seconds.

4.  Finally, extend the arms straight out to the side and draw little circles with your hands for 30 seconds. Make sure to keep your elbows straight. You can always drop the tube if it is too difficult.

Release the tube shake out your arms, stretch, and then repeat. If you want an extra challenge, bring your body into a plank position and hold for 60 seconds after each set!

Great job! Who knew that little tube could challenge your body so much? 

Until next week, 

BHW