Exercises to help you look hot this summer
By Shannon Sutton, CPT
South Texas summers are beautiful and hot, making it almost impossible to hide under frumpy sweaters and long-sleeved shirts. Make this the year to bare those arms proudly. The following shoulder exercises will have you looking “hot” in your sleeveless shirts and swimsuits in no time.
Deltoid sculpting with tubing
Using tubing with handles on each end, begin by wrapping the tube around a solid, stationary object. Pull both ends of the tubing tight, and bend your right elbow to 90 degrees just in front of your rib cage (resistance should be to your left). Pull handle out perpendicular to your body, keeping elbow bent at 90 degrees. Return to starting position and repeat for 15 repetitions. Switch resistance to left hand, and pull in toward your abdomen for 15 repetitions. Now, turn around and repeat exercise (one pulling in, the other pulling out).
Remember to keep a tight core and relax your neck and traps. Stand on the center of the band while gripping handles. Bend your knees slightly, tighten your core, and slowly raise arms laterally almost to shoulder height. Lower back down slowly and repeat. In the same position, raise arms 90 degrees to the front. Repeat. Again, you want to keep your chin up and tension out of your neck. Your feet should be at hips width with a slight bend in your knees. Try to keep your abs drawn in throughout the exercises (this will not only double as an ab workout, it will help protect your spine).
Shoulder press
Begin seated on an upright bench holding dumbbells out at 90 degrees from the shoulders. Draw abs in, and press the spine firmly to the backrest. Raise weights up and over the shoulders to parallel level, and lower back to starting position. Repeat.
Reverse flyes
Remain seated and hinge forward from the waist (chest should be parallel with quads). Using dumbbells (much lighter than used for shoulder press), extend your arms down in front of you. Begin by pulling your shoulder blades together and raising your arms out to shoulder level. Hold for a count. Slowly lower back down and repeat.
Shannon Sutton is an independent certified personal trainer. Her certifications include ISSA, NASM, APEX and Reebok. She has invested years in helping individuals reach their health, fitness and wellness goals. Contact her at (210) 722-3962, or E-mail her at jssutton2003@yahoo.com.
