Develop a Strong Back and Core

The Opposite Arm Raise exercise requires a strong and stable core. Begin with only one arm completing one motion to learn the exercise. When you’re confident in your form, add the other arm and move simultaneously. Begin without weights. Once you master form, hold a light weight in each hand. Stand with both feet together and your knees slightly bent. Bend forward from your hips, keeping your torso aligned. Bend both arms tucking your elbows into your waist. In one motion, extend your right arm forward and up, and your left arm back and up. Slowly return to your tucked-elbow position to complete one rep. Next, extend your right arm back and up, and your let arm forward and up. Begin with 10 reps total.

*Consult your physician before performing exercise.

Develop a Strong Back and Core

Fit Body:

Seated Row

The Seated Row is an effective exercise to strengthen your upper and middle back muscles. These are essential muscles for maintaining good posture while sitting, standing and lifting. Begin seated with your feet forward and flat. The seat  should be at a level where your hips are slightly higher than your knees, and your feet can rest on the floor comfortably. Next hold a handle in each hand. Pull your shoulders down and back, and your belly button in. Begin by pinching your shoulder blades together, then keeping your torso stable, pull both handles in toward your chest about 6-8 inches. Pause to break momentum, and then slowly return to your starting position with both arms straight.

*Consult your physician before performing exercise.

Seated Row for Better Posture

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Power Up your Pushups!

Think of pushups as a moving Plank exercise. This exercise is as much about your core, as it is your upper body muscles. Keep your abs tight and body straight. Pull your shoulders down into your body and tuck your chin in. If you’re up for a challenge: Only push up half-way. Pause for one or two seconds, then immediately lower your body down into the next rep. For even more muscle work, do one set to fatigue (in good form) at the end of your workout.

*Consult your physician before performing exercise.

Power Up your Pushups

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Row for upper body strength!

Rowing strengthens your upper back, lower back, shoulders, arms and core. Master proper form without weight first, and then choose a light weight to begin adding load to your muscles. Maintain proper posture and control during the entire range of motion. Bend forward from your hips, keep your back aligned with your chin tucked into your chest. Hold the barbell slightly wider than shoulder width. Pulling your shoulders back, lift the bar toward your belly button, pause, slowly lower the bar until your arms are straight. Start with 10 reps.

*Consult your physician before performing exercise.

Row for Upper Body Strength!

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Build Upper Body Strength with the Standing Shoulder Press

The Standing Shoulder Press strengthens your lifting muscles of your upper body, as well as your core. So if you’re having to lift and carry heavy items during the day, this exercise is for you. Choose a weight that allows a controlled 8-12 reps.

Begin standing in neutral posture with your knees slightly bent. Bend your elbows so the weights are in front of your shoulders, with your palms facing in. Pull your shoulders down and back. This is your starting position. Keeping your forearms vertical, push the weights straight up overhead so the weights are level with the top of your head, keeping your torso stable. Pause for a second to break momentum, and then slowly lower the weights to your starting position. As you build strength, lift the weights all the way overhead stopping just short of straight arm.

*Consult your physician before beginning exercise. This exercise is for those without injury concerns.

Build Upper Body Strength

Stand up straight with strong posture muscles!

Add this pulling exercise into your workout to strengthen your upper back and core muscles. This means you’ll be able to stand up straight, for longer!

Hold an exercise band about shoulder-width apart, with your arms parallel to the floor. Pull your shoulders down and back, and pull your belly button in tight. Begin with the band under slight tension. Inhale, then pull your arms straight out to the side of your body. Exhale, and slowly return to your starting position with your arms in front of your body. Perform 10 times to start.

*Consult your physician before beginning exercise. This exercise is not for those with injury or illness concerns.

Stand up Straight!