If you are looking for the ultimate upper body workout then you will have to target muscles of the shoulders, chest, neck, and arms. Some upper body workouts also work on muscles in the waist as well. Besides looking fantastic, an upper body workout will also provide you with an increased level of confidence and a feeling of well being. If you know that now is the time to begin your upper body workout routine then there are some standard exercises that you will want to include. As you progress in your routine you can start adding some resistance so that your body doesn’t adapt to the workout and stop helping you tone muscles.
The same old traditional push up is still part of the best upper body workout. Just in case you don’t remember how this is done here is a refresher, kneel on an exercise mat or some carpet, lean forward placing the palms of your hands on the floor. Make sure they are aligned with your shoulders or maybe just a bit wider; bend your elbows until the shoulders are just above the floor and hold for a moment, then return to the original position.
The chest press is another great upper body workout but it does require that you have a pair of small barbells. Lie down flat, facing up, place the weights in your hand and raise them over your chest area, leaving the elbows only slightly bent. Begin to lower the weights by bending the lower arms and elbows until the elbows are more or less at shoulder level. Breathe deep, this will contract the muscles in the chest and as you exhale push the arms up, never allowing the weights to touch.
For the shoulders and back, one of the best exercises is a simple back extension. Stretch out face down on the floor and place your hands behind your back. Slowly lift your body off of the mat making sure that the head and neck never move out of a straight line. You only have to lift up a few inches but this exercise will work the back, shoulders, and the chest. Another exercise that is good for the chest is known as the overhead press. This one can be done either on an exercise bench or in a chair that has a straight back. Sit in an upright position and grab a small barbell with each hand, lifting the arms until the elbows are level with the shoulders. Straighten the elbows so the weights are pushed upward but be sure to keep the palms facing one another and to move each arm with equal speed. Extend the arms until they are fully stretched. Hold the position for a moment, and then lower the weights by bending the elbows back into a level that is even with the shoulders.
These are just a few ways to begin your regimen of an upper body workout that is sure to provide results quickly.
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