So check your ego at that door and ensure every workout meets you where you’re at today.
The one thing these activities have in common?
They all call on your upper body’s ability to press heavy objects.
Photo: Jenna Brillhart
But you don’t have to stick with the traditional chest press to score its strength-building benefits.
Open elbows to the sides so triceps form a 45-degree angle with torso, palms facing feet.
Press feet flat into the floor and engage core.
This is the starting position.
C.Press the dumbbells toward the ceiling, straightening arms so the dumbbells are directly over shoulders.
Plus, you’ll learn chest press variations that are ideal if you’re dealing with shoulder issues.
The exercise allows you to train similar muscles as the chest press without heavy equipment, says Nakhlawi.
A.Start in a table-top position on the floor with hands directly under shoulders and knees under hips.
B.Engage core by tucking tailbone and drawing navel in toward spine.
Lock in lats by drawing shoulders down and away from ears.
Push elbows out so arms form a 45-degree angle to body.
C.Look down and slightly forward to keep neck neutral and engage core.
Slowly bend at elbows to lower body, stopping about 3 inches above the floor.
D.Push away from the floor to return to the starting position.
C.Press the right dumbbell toward the ceiling, straightening right arm so the dumbbell is directly over right shoulder.
Open elbows to the sides so triceps form a 45-degree angle with torso, palms facing feet.
Press feet flat into the floor and engage core.
This is the starting position.
This latter option has the bonus of recruiting your glutes while you work your chest.
Open elbows to the sides so triceps form a 45-degree angle with torso, palms facing feet.
Press feet flat into the floor and engage core.
Lift hips up as high as possible without allowing the lower back to arch.
This is the starting position.
In turn, the weights place less stress on your shoulder joints, she explains.
(Love the hammer press?
You’ll also want togive the hammer curl a shot.)
Press feet flat into the floor and engage core.
This is the starting position.
Open left elbow to the side so triceps form a 45-degree angle with torso, left palm facing feet.
Extend right arm down at side and place palm flat on the floor.
Press feet flat into the floor and engage core.
This is the starting position.
C.Press the dumbbell toward the ceiling, straightening left arm so the dumbbell is directly over left shoulder.
Photography and art: Jenna BrillhartModel and fitness expert: Sal NakhlawiWardrobe: SET Active
