Get Your Upper Body Ready for Tank Tops

It really is not that hard to get your upper body ready for tank tops. It does, somewhat, depend on where you are starting from, as in how out of shape you are you. But, nonetheless, the workouts you can do are both simple and effective. You will work your arms, shoulders and other areas of your upper body, that will help get you looking great in tank tops, year round. The only things, other than yourself, that you really should have are a medicine ball (I use a 5lb. One) and a pair of hand weights (I use 10lbs.). These props will give you the resistance you need for best results.

Using your dumbbells, start off with an overhead press. For this, you will hold a weight in each hand, while standing. Start with your hands up, palms forward, at should height. Lift up, to full arm extension, then bring back down to the starting position. Repeat this for a count of 20. You can also do a similar exercise with your medicine ball, by holding it with both hands starting in front of your face and lifting. Make sure to keep your back straight and your tummy tucked in.

Your next move should be the curl. This is great to do with your hand weights. With one weight in each hand, start with your arms to your sides and curl your lower arm up towards your shoulder. Do both arms at the same time. A good 20 count workout of these will have you feeling the burn, but remember: great bodies come from great pain. Getting in shape is not an easy thing, and once you are there you must work to keep it. This exercise, too, can be done using your medicine ball. You just do one arm at a time, gripping the ball with your hand, the ball facing out, and lift towards your shoulder. Do 20 reps with each arm. This takes a little longer, but it also helps to strengthen your grip!

The last, and I think most fun, is the punch. Want a great workout for your upper body? Snatch up those hand weights, stand with your legs shoulder length apart and throw some punches at the air. Make sure to twist as you do this, punch with your right arm across to the empty space in front of your left side, and the opposite. Do this to a count of at least 50, for each arm (I like to go to 100). This exercise works your arms, abs and pretty much everything on your upper body. You will definitely feel it in the morning.

These fun and easy to do exercises will have you on the path to a tank top worthy upper body in no time. And, with minimal investment you can stay in shape with your dumbbell arm weights and versatile medicine ball!

Source:

Fitness Professional's Handbook. Howley, E. and Franks, B.D.