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Get the Bod: Halle Berry's Back and Shoulders
Spring is just around the corner and warmer weather is on everyone's mind. With a much-anticipated increase in daily temps comes more revealing fashion — bring on the strapless dresses and tank tops. I've always been inspired by Halle Berry's upper back and shoulders.
Multitasking Move: Tipping Row
I like to make my gym time count by working multiple body parts with one exercise, and the Tipping Tow does just that. The rowing action targets the back of the shoulder as well as the upper back, and the tipping part seriously challenges the core. Not to mention, lifting your leg behind your targets your hamstrings and glutes.
Get Lifted: Seated Rows
Rowing is a great exercise for the upper back and there are so many variations of this simple move. Here's another way to add rowing into your strength training routine. If you don't have access to a rowing machine, or the weight machines at the gym, you can use a resistance band or tube instead.
How To: Bent Over Row
Bikini season is approaching so many of us are focusing on getting our upper bodies toned. One exercise that is great for working your upper back, mid-back and triceps is the Bent Over Row. For this exercise, you'll need a workout bench (or chair) and a dumbbell.
Multitasking Move: Knee Lift With Reverse Row
This move works your abs, glutes, triceps, biceps, and back all in one exercise. You'll need a set of dumbbells for this.
- Begin on your hands and knees, with your hands right under your shoulders, and your knees directly under your hips.
Multitasking Move: Plank with Reverse Row
I truly believe in the power of multitasking moves. When you are short on time, they provide the needed one-two fitness punch. Here is a great exercise that will target the arms and back, but the core and glutes as well.
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Multitasking Move: Balancing Row
Here's a variation to the Tipping Row, which strengthens the backs of your arms and your upper back. Since you're balancing on one leg and extending the other, you'll also tone your quads, booty, and back.
Grab a pair of dumbbells and learn how to do this exercise.
No Equipment Necessary: Running Plank
If you're looking for a way to burn calories while toning your upper body, core, and calves, have I got the exercise for you. This is a variation of plank that you can do anywhere.
"Back Back Back," by Ani Difranco
If you'd like more detailed instructions, read more
Multiple Reasons to Strength Train
Along with helping boost my metabolism and keeping my backside firm, I strength train for one very practical reason: strength. Here are a few moments from the last week where I utilized my strong muscles, and the moves that got them there:
- Moving an upright piano: squats for dead lifting the instrument with three wonderful volunteers.
- Using the loppers to prune unruly trees: pec fly
- Pulling out stubborn weeds: all the variations of rowing, especially the classic bent-over version.
- Opening the top window of my freshly painted double hung and sticky windows: standing lat pulls.
- Carrying my two very full bags of groceries for two blocks: biceps curls and arm raises.
- Giving a piggyback ride to my tired 4-year-old for a few too many city blocks: planks and core work — staying stable while hauling her 36 pounds around kept me out of pain.
Get the Bod: Jessica Biel's Arms
Two years in a row, Jessica Biel has won the FitSugar title of "Fittest Female Celeb." Her feminine toned and buff arms are coveted by many Sugar readers, and I agree they're pretty inspirational. Her secret?
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