Upper Body Workouts

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10-Minute Bicep Workout For Women At Any Age

10-Minute Bicep Workout For Women At Any Age Use my 10 minute bicep workout for women to get toned arms that look great while keeping you healthy and strong! Who doesn’t want sculpted, sexy arms? If you feel like you’re fighting flabby arms or don’t like to show off your arms with tank tops, keep reading! I created this 10 minute workout for you, because it’s time to start strength training those biceps! It’s a common fitness myth among women that if you lift, you’re going to bulk up. But honestly, that is just not the case! If you want to be toned, sleek arms on the other hand, then you SHOULD be lifting weights. The sooner you start incorporating strength training of any kind into your workout, the better. As you age, you start to lose muscle, which can also slow down your metabolism. Strength training will help build muscle, and speed your metabolism back up! It will also help you feel stronger and more confident as you age. Ready to get started with by bicep exercises? You only need 10 minutes and the instructions below! 10 Minute Bicep Workout Instructions The below biceps exercises are designed specifically for women to strengthen not only their biceps but also their triceps, shoulders, and a little chest too! When you train the biceps, you also need to train the triceps since they are opposing muscle groups. This helps prevent injury and creates good muscular balance as well. Equipment: A set of dumbbells A timer Instructions: Set a timer for ten minutes Do 10-12 reps of each exercise below, then take a 1-minute rest after you complete them all. Begin again from the top. Stop working when the timer goes off! Do this workout twice a week, combined with cardio workouts, to start seeing stronger, more toned arms. [adthrive-in-post-video-player video-id=”q6QHVCtf” upload-date=”2017-10-10T13:03:37.000Z” name=”10 Minutes to Beautiful Biceps” description=”This quick, 10-minute bicep workout will have your arms looking better than ever in no time. These moves will leave your muscles aching but feeling stronger and looking amazing! Arms are a major problem area, especially as we age, so nip that issue in the bud and work those biceps today!”] 1. Bicep Curl The bicep curl exercise directly target and isolate the biceps, enhancing muscle size and strength. Here’s how to do bicep curls: To do bicep curls, stand with feet hip-width apart. Start by holding the dumbbells down next to the sides of your legs with arms fully extended, a slight bend in the elbow, and palms facing forward. Bend your elbows and curl your dumbbells up to your shoulders, make sure your bicep curl all the way to the top. Lower the weights back down making sure to straighten your arms until they are next to your legs where you started. 2. Hammer Curl Hammer curls emphasize the brachialis muscle, increasing the overall thickness of the upper arm. Here’s how to do a hammer curl: Stand with feet hip width apart with core engaged, weights resting at sides with palms facing in. Curl the dumbbells up, thumbs on top, until they reach shoulders. Lower to start position with control. 3. Push-Up Punch Doing push-up punches will engage the biceps along with the chest and shoulders, improving functional strength and stability. Here’s how to do a push-up punch: Begin in a plank position with your shoulders over your wrists, your feet together, and your body in a straight line. Position your feet hip width apart or slightly narrower. Keeping your body straight, bend your arms to lower your body toward the floor. Straighten your arms to push your body back up into plank position as you punch your right arm forward.  Return your hand to the floor, lower back to the bottom of your push-up and repeat punching with left arm. 4. Tricep Overhead Extension While primarily targeting the triceps, overhead extensions also engage the biceps for stabilization, enhancing arm endurance. Here’s how to do tricep overhead extensions: Stand with feet hip-width apart holding dumbells straight overhead and keeping your spine long and abs tight. Bend elbows lowering dumbbells behind the base of the head. Keep your elbows hugging in towards your head and pointing forward. Then extend your arms long returning to your starting position working the triceps. 5. Tricep Dips Tricep dips primarily work the triceps but also engage the biceps and forearms for stabilization, improving overall upper arm strength. Here’s how to do tricep dips: Start seated with knees bent and feet on the floor. Place hands behind you, directly under the shoulders, with finger facing your hips. Lift hips to a hover. Bend elbow straight back and use your triceps to press back up. This is one of the most challenging but best bicep exercises because it uses your own bodyweight to sculpt your upper body. Beginner’s Tips For Using Dumbbells Most of the moves in this 10-minute bicep workouts for women will require dumbbells. If you’re not currently using weights, here are some basics on arm workouts with dumbbells. 1. Use the Right Amount of Weight Many biceps workouts for women say to use light weights to avoid “bulking up.” But here’s the truth: it would be pretty hard for you to bulk up unless you were eating massive amounts of protein and are lifting weights 24/7. The best biceps workout for women uses resistance to help your bicep muscles grow! Now, what constitutes a “heavy” weight for you? Everyone is a little different. Start out with 8 pounds; if that is doable, go to 10, 12, etc. If you’re struggling to decide, check out the guide I wrote on when to increase your weights! 2. Focus on Form When you’re lifting weights, you want to go heavy enough that you’re working hard. But this doesn’t mean you should sacrifice on form. Focusing on the correct form for your bicep exercises will help make sure you’re building muscle without causing injury. From the starting position to the end, move

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9 Best Back Fat Exercises to Strengthen & Tone

9 Best Back Fat Exercises to Strengthen & Tone Are you ready to tone and firm up your back with my favorite back fat exercises? Back fat, bra bulge…whatever you call it, it can be bothersome. And reducing back fat takes consistent strength training and focus. If there is one thing I will tell you, it’s that you need to clean up your diet and start a regular routine of working your back and core muscles.  So I’m giving you my favorite exercises that focus on strengthening your back. Preform these exercises first thing in the morning, on your lunch break, on-the-go, or as an addition to another workout. Consistency is the key when it comes to seeing results from strength training! If you want to know more about why we get back fat in older age and what causes it, ready my tips on “How To Get Rid Of Back Fat Permanently.” Add these back fat exercises to your weekly routine to tone and tighten back muscles! Back Fat Exercise Workout Instructions: Do 15 repetitions of each exercise, two sets each. Try to stay consistent and repeat this three times a week. For the exercises that require dumbbells, use heavy enough dumbbells so that you feel muscle fatigue by 15 reps. If it’s too easy, go up in weight. You don’t have to be afraid of becoming bulky. Instead you will look and feel strong. 1. Overhead Pulls The overhead pull is a great upper body exercise that uses dumbbells to strengthen your upper back muscles and shoulders. Plus, it helps with core strength and stability! How to Perform Overhead Pulls: Lie on back with knees bent and feet on the floor. Arms are extended above chest to start. Engage your abdominals. Lower dumbbells past your head keeping arms mostly straight with elbows slightly bent. Keeping abdominals tight raise dumbbells back to start. Low back should stay firm against the floor throughout. 2. Renegade Rows The renegade row is one of the most effective compound exercises that works your back and bicep muscles while incorporating your core as well. How to Perform Renegade Rows: Begin in a full plank position with dumbbells in your hands, arms extended, hands under the shoulders, and on your toes. Make your feet a little wider for a more stable base and keep your body straight from head to heels. Think long spine, butt down, and abs engaged. Pull the right dumbbell up toward the right hip keeping the dumbbell close to your side, elbow driving back. Resist rotating your shoulders and hips. Use your core strength and keep them facing the floor as best as you can. Slowly return it to the floor and repeat with the left dumbbell. 3. Reverse Grip Double Arm Row The reverse grip double arm row is an excellent back fat move for strengthening your back, core, and arms. Plus, it can be done by just about anyone! How to Perform Reverse Grip Double Arm Rows: Start with legs together and sit back into a slight squat engaging abdominals. Arms are in front of the body holding dumbbells at hip height with palms facing the ceiling. Draw elbows back past hips gently hugging the side body so you feel lats and triceps engage and return forward with control. 4. Single Arm Row The single arm row back fat exercise uses dumbbells to strengthen your upper back and shoulders, and you can do it anywhere! How to Perform a Single Arm Row: Stand in split stance with your right foot forward and the dumbbell in left arm. Slightly hinge over from your hip flexors keeping your abdominals engaged to protect your low back. Pull the elbow straight back past your hip (keep arms close to the body- don’t let your elbow wing out.) Engage and squeeze your back muscles then lower the dumbbell back to start position with control. Perform desired of reps and repeat on the other side. 5. Superman The superman move is one of the top back fat exercises for focusing specifically on the lower back, in addition to helping with your core muscles and stabilization. How to Perform the Superman: Lie down on stomach with arms and legs long. Draw abdominals up and away from the mat and pull shoulders down away from ears. Squeeze abs, back muscles and glutes to lift arms and legs off the mat.  Release to start position with control. 6. Resistance Band Row The resistance band row is one of the best back fat exercises for working your upper back muscles located around and between your shoulder blades. Training your upper back muscles also helps with good posture and balance. How to Perform Resistance Band Rows: Begin in a seated position on the floor with legs straight out in front of you. Holding handles, place the center of the band around feet, then wrap each end inside and around each foot one more time to make a loop on each foot. Sit tall with abs tight and hold handles in front of you with elbows bent next to your side. Pull the handles back until they are next to your side and elbows are behind you. Slowly release. 7. Press Backs The straight arm press back is an effective move for targeting your upper back, rear deltoids, and triceps. The back of the arms can be a challenging spot to target, and this move gets it done! How to Perform Press Backs: Start with feet hip distance apart. Engage your abdominals and sit back into a slight squat. Dumbbells start at the sides of the knees. Keeping the core engaged press the dumbbells past your hips and return with control. Avoid swinging the arms or bending the elbows. 8. Swimmers Exercise Move The swimmers exercise strengthens your lower back and core muscles while teaching your body to stabilize. How to Perform the Swimming Exercise Move: Lie on your stomach with the legs and arms extended. Engage your abdominals so you feel

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Best Muscle Groups to Workout Together (+Workouts)

Best Muscle Groups to Workout Together (+Workouts) Training opposing muscle groups together works the front and back part of an area on your body at the same time, which promotes strength, stability, and even muscle growth. As a fitness expert, one of the most common questions people have when they first start strength training is, “What muscle groups do I work out together?” Whether you’re just getting started strength training or you’ve been in the groove for a while, it’s important to be educated on getting the most out of your workouts. I recommend training opposing muscle groups (agonists and antagonists) together because they work together for many of the movements we make, and it’s way more efficient. Simply put, you are working both the front and the back of one particular area of your body within the same session. This training strategy also helps you create a plan to target different areas of your body on different days of the week while still providing necessary rest periods. So I put together four opposing muscle group workouts with a few of my favorite combinations to exercise together: Workout #1: Chest and Back Workout #2: Quads and Hamstrings Workout #3: Biceps, Triceps, and Shoulders Workout #4: Glutes and Abdominals These strategic muscle group workouts will help build muscle and promote overall wellbeing! Muscle Groups Workout #1: Chest & Back This opposing muscle groups workout will target your chest and back muscles to strengthen and tone your upper body. Chest & Back Workout Instructions: Grab a medium-to-heavy set of dumbbells in a weight that allows you to complete the workout while providing a little challenge (somewhere between 8-15 lbs). I typically use 12 lb dumbbells when working my upper body! Complete the exercises below in a circuit format, performing each exercises for a total of 45 seconds, followed by 15 seconds of rest. The 15 second rest period allows to you catch your breath and prep for the next movement. 1. Chest Fly The chest fly is a great strength training exercise that targets your chest and shoulder muscles. How to Perform a Chest Fly: Lie on back with knees bent and feet on the floor and hold dumbbells straight up over chest. With a slight bend in the elbow, slowly open arms wide out to the side.  Squeeze your chest as you bring the weights back together at the top.  Repeat for the desired number of reps. 2. Renegade Row The renegade row is a compound exercise that targets your back, shoulder, and core muscles simultaneously. You’ll feel your muscles burning, and your heart rate go up! How to Perform a Renegade Row: Begin in a full plank with dumbbells in hands, arms extended, and toes (kneeling variation is fine if you are not able to do a full plank). Engage your abdominals drawing the belly inward towards your spine. Pull the right dumbbell up toward right hip bone keeping the weight close to your side. Slowly return it to the floor and repeat with the left dumbbell. 3. Push-Up The push-up is the holy grail of strength moves because it targets several muscle groups in one efficient exercise. Think you need to bench press for great shoulders? Think again! How to Perform a Push-Up: Begin in a plank position with hands below shoulders, legs long behind you, and body contracted to hold your spine in a straight line. With elbows pointing slightly back, bend elbows and slowly begin to lower your body until you are just above the ground. Keep your gaze over your fingertips and body in a straight line. As you exhale, tighten your belly and then push yourself back up to a plank position. That is one repetition. 4. Reverse Grip Double Arm Rows  The reverse grip double arm row exercise targets the back muscles, which is an often-overlooked muscle group in women. How to Perform a Reverse Grip Double Arm Rows: Start with legs together and sit back into a slight squat engaging abdominal. Arms are in front of the body holding dumbbells at hip height with palms facing the ceiling. Draw elbows back past hips gently hugging the side body so you feel lats and triceps engage and return forward with control. 5. Chest Press The chest press is a class move that targets muscle building for your chest, shoulders, and triceps. How to Perform a Chest Press: Lie on back with knees bent and feet on the floor. Elbows are bent and dumbbells start at shoulder height. Extend arms fully pressing away from your chest. Then, slowly lower to start position. 6. Overhead Pull The overhead pull exercise effectively targets your shoulders and triceps. How to Perform an Overhead Pull: Lie on back with knees bent and feet on the floor. Arms are extended above the chest to start. Engage your abdominals. Lower dumbbells past your head keeping arms mostly straight with elbows slightly bent. Keeping abdominals tight, raise dumbbells back to start. The low back should stay firm against the floor throughout. Repeat this circuit three times for a complete 20-minute upper-body workout! Muscle Groups Workout #2: Quads & Hamstring This opposing muscle group workout focuses on the quads and hamstrings and it will get your legs pumping while improving strength, stability, and performance. The goal of this lower body workout is to target the quad and hamstring muscles together and to find fatigue in the lower half of your body. If you get to the last couple of reps and you feel like you can’t do one more, that’s exactly where you should be. However, if you come to the last couple of reps and feel like you could do more, pick up heavier weights! Quads and Hamstrings Workout Instructions: You will need a set of medium-to-heavy dumbbells. AI would personally grab a set of 12 or 15 lb dumbbells, but anywhere between 8 lb and 20 lb dumbbells would be recommended depending on your level of fitness. Complete 12 repetitions

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