Wednesday, December 10, 2008

5 Easy Ways to Keep In Shape

Regular strength training will help prevent injuries, protect joints and improve posture, Try these five moves.

Calf Raise

Stand with feet shoulders-width apart, arms by sides with a dumb-bell (or two small bottles of water or cans of soup) in each hand. Exhale as you raise your heels off the ground. Inhale as you return your heels slowly to the ground.

Abdominal Crunch

Lie on back – legs bent, feet flat, hands behind ears. Exhale as you curl up slowly. Only lift your shoulders and upper back off the floor. Don’t pull on your head or neck. Inhale and slowly uncurl until you are lying back on the floor.

Triceps Kickback

Kneel on all fours. Hold dumb-bell in hand and bend arm at the elbow (upper arm should stay in line with side of body). Exhale as you straighten your lower arm behind you. Inhale as you bring it back down.

Leg Press

Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and a dumb-bell in each hand. Inhale as you squat slowly down. Keep your back straight. Don’t bend your knees past a 90-degree angle. Exhale as you push back up. Don’t lock your knees.

Lateral Raise

Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, arms by sides and a dumb-bell in each hand. Keep elbows slightly bent. Exhale as you raise your arms, inhale as you lower them,

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