Get Sexy, Shapely Shoulders: 3 Simple Moves

Monday, March 7, 2011

Years ago when I started working out seriously, I noticed how quickly I saw changes in my shoulders. It was awesome. One of the reasons for this is as women we tend to have more fat in our hips,butt and thighs, so when you begin workout out muscles like your shoulders which have less fat, you tend to see some pretty great results fairly quickly.

Nice shapely shoulders also help to make hips, glutes and thighs appear smaller. As you increase your muscle in the deltoids or shoulders you help to balance the lower body.

When you work your shoulders, you will quickly see that you do not need to use a lot of weight before you start feeling "the burn". As you perform the following exercises focus on your speed. When lifting the weight do it in a one count, as you lower the weight, focus on a slow, controlled movement that is a good two to three counts.

1. Barbell or Dumbbell clean and press:
(OK, this is actually me doing an overhead press, ok, so it's a little bit simplistic but you get the idea)

Stand with your feet shoulder width apart and pull your belly button in towards your spine. As the weight hangs in front of you, inhale and exhale as you lift the weight up to your shoulders. Then press the bar or weight overhead straightening the arms but not actually locking the arms. Be careful not to arch your back. Bring the bar or weights back down to your chest and then lower to starting position.

2. Dumbbell Shoulder Press:
You can sit or stand for this exercise. Start with a weight in each hand, your palms are facing forward. You want to press your hands up above your head. Return your arms to start position. Be sure to exhale as you push your hands up.

Bentover Rear Delt Dumbbell Row:

Stand with your feet shoulder width apart and your knees slightly bent. Lean forward from your hips until your back is parallel with the floor. Be sure to not let your back round. You want to stick your chest out and keep your back flat. Hold the weights in each hand and let your arms hang in front of your body slightly. As you exhale, pull the weights up until your arms form 90 degree angles. Squeeze your rear delts together and return to the start position.

Working your shoulders can be very rewarding. You will get great looking delts in a relatively short period of time.

Committed to your fitness success,
Kelly Parker
www.fitmommakeover.net