Denise's Daily Dozen (42 page)

5. Tricep Extensions

No more under-arm flab, no more under-arm sag—we’ll firm it right up!

  Step your left foot out to the side about three to four feet and bend your left knee. Keep your right leg straight behind you. Rest your left hand on your left thigh.

  Holding both dumbbells in your right hand and with your palms facing your body, extend your right arm straight behind you as high as you can. Bend your forearm in toward your body, making sure to keep your elbow lifted as high as you can. Time: 30 seconds on each arm.

6. Posterior Delts

Really work that back by squeezing your shoulder blades together when you lift the weights up.

  Stand with your feet together and hold a dumbbell in each hand. Bend your knees slightly and lean your upper body forward, keeping your back straight. Keeping your elbows slightly bent, extend your arms down toward the floor with the palms facing each other. You should feel as if you’re hugging a large beach ball.

  Lift your arms up and straight out to the sides. Return to the start position. Time: 1 minute.

 
CHALLENGE:
Lift your arms, leading with your elbows.

7. Push-Ups

This classic exercise works your whole body, especially your chest.

The staggered hand position targets muscles you didn’t even know you had.

  Get into a push-up position where you’re balancing on your knees and hands. Make sure your hands are right beneath your shoulders and that your body forms one long line from your head to your toes. Also, be sure you’re not balancing on your kneecaps, and keep your back straight.

  Lower your body toward the floor. Push up to return to the start. Time: 15 seconds.