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Female Shoulder Molder
Return to Tips by Muscle Group
GI Jane had them. So did Sarah Connor and Xena and virtually every
other heroine who put the weight of saving the world on their shoulders. That's because on their shoulders is exactly where the weight went. Building those impressively sleek shoulders
takes a great deal of raw grind but once you sport a shapely set, you'll quickly be separated from the rest. If you like to wear bikinis or summer dresses
that reveal your upper torso, shoulder training is ideal in sporting a sexy physique. Here are some toning exercises designed to shape those delts:
Click to watch video!
ALTERNATING DUMBBELL RAISES Standing straight
with your feet shoulder-width apart, take a pair of dumbbells into your hands and hold them down at your sides. Make sure
that the dumbbells are of a manageable weight. Bending your knees slightly, slowly raise one arm, twisting it so that your
palm is facing down. Stop when your arm is straight out in front of you (at shoulder level) so that it forms a right angle
with your torso. Squeeze your deltoid muscles before slowly bringing the weight back down to your side. Meanwhile, your opposite
arm should be rising just as the other one drops. Repeat the alternating motion for 12-15 reps on each arm. Try 2-3 strong
sets of this.
Click to watch video!
LATERAL RAISES (WITH CABLES or Dumbells) If
using cables put a D-handle on the lower hookup of the cable machine. Stand with your side to the cable. With your arm that's
farthest away from the cable, take the handle into your hand, and hold it to the opposite hip. Slightly bend your torso away
from the cable, shifting weight onto your furthest foot from the cable. Slowly raise the weight across your torso, your arm
slightly bent while doing so. Stop when your arm is extended directly away from your shoulder. Squeeze your shoulder at the
contraction before slowly releasing to the starting position. Repeat this motion for a total of 12-15 reps at a lighter weight
before switching sides. Or perform the same movements with dumbells!
Note: For a great burn, do not take any rest
between alternating sets.A
shoulder injury can be devastating to the remaining workouts, considering your shoulders are used in virtually every other
upper-body exercise. Your chest and back in particular can suffer from a nagging shoulder ailment. So make sure to warm-up
thoroughly before performing these strenuous shoulder exercises.
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