#1 Close Arm Wall Pushups -- 3 sets of 15

Starting Position
Start facing wall, arms-length away, feet slightly apart, legs straight with weight on toes. Place hands on wall with pointer fingers and thumbs forming a triangle. Keep arms in line with shoulders/chest (not above or below this region).

Action
INHALE: Bend elbows about 90 degrees and lower body toward the wall without touching it.

EXHALE: Straighten arms and return to starting position to complete one rep.

Special Instructions
The further your feet are away from the wall, the more difficult this exercise will be. Also be sure not to lock knees or elbows.

Muscles Worked: Chest, Triceps, Shoulders


#2 Alternating Biceps Curls -- 3 sets of 15

Starting Position
Stand with feet slightly apart, knees slightly bent, abs tight. Grasp a dumbbell in each hand with an underhand grip. Lock elbows into the side of your torso and rest weights in your hand, on the front of the thigh.

Action
INHALE: Curl one dumbbell to your shoulder.
EXHALE: Lower dumbbell to starting position, then curl the dumbbell in your opposite hand.
One curl on each side equals one rep.

Special Instructions
Keeping abs tight will help protect your lower back. If your body leans backward as your curl up the weight, then the weight is too heavy. Keep elbows pressed into your sides for support and to isolate the biceps. This exercise can also be done in a seated position.

Muscles Worked: Biceps



#3 Triceps Kickbacks -- 3 sets of 15

Starting Position
Hold a dumbbell in one hand. Kneel on bench with the opposite knee, then lean forward from your waist and support your body weight on your free hand. Keep upper arm of weighted hand fixed to your side, and allow to bend to 90 degrees.

Action
Push weighted hand back until elbow is straight. Slowly lower to starting position and repeat. Complete desired repetitions and alternate.

Special Instructions
Make sure to relax upper body.

Muscles Worked: Triceps



#4 Dumbbell Chest Press -- 3 sets of 15

Starting Position
Lie flat on bench with feet on flat on floor , arms extended upward, holding dumbbells with an overhand grip.

Action
INHALE: Lower dumbbells to chest level, bending elbows and rotating forearms to bring your hands into pronation (palms facing legs).

EXHALE:Press dumbbells back up until arms are straight (but elbows do not lock). Do an isometric contraction to isolate the upper pecs.

Lower and repeat for one rep.

Special Instructions
Keep spine in a neutral position. Don't lift head off the bench during exercise. If your lower back comes up from the bench at all during the movement, then raise your legs (bent) into the air to keep the back flat throughout the entire movement.

Muscles Worked: Chest, Triceps



#4 Dumbbell Chest Fly -- 3 sets of 15

Starting Position
Lie flat on a bench. Hold dumbbells with arms extended and elbows slightly bent.

Action
INHALE: Lower dumbbells until elbows are at shoulder height.

EXHALE: Raise the dumbbells up until they meet.

Special Instructions
A narrow bench will allow free movement of the shoulders. This is not an exercise for heavy weights. Keeping arms slightly bent will less the stress on the elbow.

Muscles Worked: Chest



#6 Dumbbell Lateral Raises -- 3 sets of 15

Starting Position
Stand with feet slightly apart, back straight, arms hanging at your sides. Hold a dumbbell in each hand, palms facing inward.

Action
EXHALE: Raise the dumbbells at your sides to shoulder level, keeping elbows slightly bent.

INHALE: Lower slowly with control to the starting position to complete one rep.

Special Instructions
Do not let the momentum of your swinging arms do all the work-- keep the movement controlled. Be sure you are not leaning back when lifting the weights.

Muscles Worked: Shoulders



#7 Reverse Plank -- 3 sets (hold as long as you're able)

Starting Position
Sit with palms on ground, below shoulders. Squeezing butt and thighs.

Action
Push up into a reverse plank (on either elbows or straight arms). Hold for 30 seconds and work up to 1-3 minutes.

Special Instructions
Keep body in straight line- don't let hips raise or lower. Be sure not to hold breath.

Muscles Worked: Back, Triceps, Shoulders, Core, Quads



#8 Dumbbell Wrist Curls -- 3 sets of 15

Starting Position
Sit with forearms resting on your thighs or a bench. Take an underhand grip on one dumbbell, passively extending your wrists downward. Place the other hand on top of your wrist (not pictured) to hold the arm in place.

Action
EXHALE: Curl your wrist up, keeping the rest of the arm still by using your free hand.

INHALE: Slowly lower to the starting position to complete one rep. Finish all reps on this side and switch hands.

Special Instructions
Can also be done with both wrists simultaneously.

Muscles Worked: Forearms