Each Friday, we’ll have a new Workout of the Week (WOW) for you. We hope you’ll try it out over the weekend and then build it into your daily routine Monday through Friday of the coming week. These workout ideas will be simple, appropriate for people of various ages and abilities, and allow you to fit a little more physical activity into your week!
Shoulder Razors
This week’s workout focuses on building strength in your shoulders. Shoulder Razors are great because they build muscle in your shoulders, triceps, laterals and trapezius (the muscles around your upper back and neck). You can use weights for this exercise—try 5-10 pound dumbbells (depending upon your strength), or some canned fruit or heavy books will work just as well.
- Begin in a standing position, keeping your neck and back straight, holding your weights in both hands, and letting your arms rest at your sides.
- Next, slowly raise your arms out to your sides until your hands are at about the same height as your ears. Hold this position for at least one second, and then slowly lower your hands back to the starting position.
- After that, raise your arms in front of you, keeping them perfectly straight, until your hands are about level with your chin. Hold this position for at least one second, and then slowly lower your arms back down to the starting position.
Congratulations, you just did one Shoulder Razor! Try doing 2 to 3 sets of 20-30 Shoulder Razors. As the week goes on, add more weight in your hands, or add more repetitions to your sets.
Want more fitness ideas? If you’re a Health Advocate member with access to the Wellness Coaching program, reach out to your Wellness Coach for more healthy ideas to get—and stay—fit. And remember, talk to your doctor before beginning any new fitness regimen.
