While you can rock sleeveless tops in any shape or size, being able to show off chiseled guns is a bonus. Doing shoulder exercises is a great way to develop muscle in that area. Not only does it let you slay in sleeveless pieces like nobody’s business, but they also come with health benefits.
Does the idea of shoulder exercises daunt you? Fret not: you don’t need to bend over backward to purchase heavy equipment for your home. You also don’t need a gym membership (which can be challenging when you lead a busy lifestyle!). You’ll only need minimal equipment such as dumbbells, a yoga mat, and willpower to achieve your toned shoulders.
Shoulder Exercise: The Whys and Hows
The truth is, getting sexy, toned shoulders is just a cool side benefit of working out. Ultimately, strengthening this area helps you avoid injury. It trains your shoulder joints, which are known to be unstable and prone to dislocation, to be more secure. So, if you practice sports or are usually lifting heavy packages (add to cart pa more), build muscle through targeted, quality shoulder exercises and workouts. Ready to start working out? Here are some shoulder exercises you can do at home.
Do side planks.
What’s great about side planks is it involves minimal to no equipment – just a timer and yoga or exercise mat. Fitness nuts love side planks because they work the core and engage the shoulders and other muscles, such as lateral muscles, obliques, and glutes. Talk about full-body training!
To do side planks, lie on your right side and lift your body using your right elbow. Keep your palm rested on the mat – fingers pointing away from your body. Your legs should be straight and stacked on top of each other. Align your neck with your spine to avoid strain. Hold the plank for 30 to 60 seconds and perform for three reps. Repeat on the other side.
Perform shoulder shrugs to tone your traps.
Do you want a toned back that you can flaunt with a backless top? Work on your upper trapezius muscles — also known as traps — which is the triangular area between your shoulders on the upper back. Shoulder shrugs engage the entire shoulder area and nearby parts: it works out your lateral or side deltoids, back deltoids, the side of your neck, and the chest muscle, or pectoralis major.
To do shoulder shrugs, take a dumbbell in each hand, dropping your arms to your sides. Keeping them straight and close to your body, raise your shoulders as if trying to reach your ears. Pause for a few seconds, then slowly let your shoulders drop. Repeat this for three sets of 12 reps. You can do fewer reps if it’s your first time.
Do overhead tricep extensions.
Overhead tricep extensions strengthen your upper arms. While they engage different parts of the triceps, this workout also strengthens shoulder muscles for added stability. In the long run, this improves and prolongs your arm, elbow, and hand mobility.
To exercise with overhead tricep extensions, grab a dumbbell on its handle with both hands. Make sure it is a comfortable weight. Do not attempt to lift more than you can handle, especially since you’re lifting this thing over your head. Slowly raise your arms so that the dumbbell is directly above your head. With your upper arms in place and your elbows facing forward (not flaring to the sides), lower the dumbbell until it is behind your neck. Lift it slowly, and repeat.
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Go work on those to-die-for traps with these shoulder exercises you can do at home!