ExerciseTV: Squat With Side Bend and Overhead Press

FitSugar — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 12:05:01 -0800

In a time crunch, you need to find exercises that work many body parts with one exercise. That is why I am loving this variation on squats I found over at ExerciseTV. It incorporates side bending as well as an overhead press into your basic squat. This means you are not only working your hamstring, quads and glutes (aka your legs and bum), but your obliques (side of your torso) and shoulders as well. Talk about a three for one bonus deal!

The folks at ExerciseTV are so generous for sharing their videos; they even sponsored this post. So grab some hand weights, any style will do. I would start with five pound weights and work up to using eight and then ten pound weights.

Get Flash to see this player.

You should definitely check out the extensive video library at ExerciseTV. There is no reason to ever be bored with your workout again!

Back to Basics: Overhead Press

FitSugar — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 04:00:00 -0800

Putting all the fancy machines and accessories aside, sometimes you just want to get in a good workout without having to decipher how to use the gadgets. The overhead press is a great way to work your deltoids, biceps and triceps using a set of dumbbells. Pick a dumbbell weight that tires your muscles by about 12 lifts, a good weight to start with is five pounds.

Here's how:

Stand with your legs hip-width apart, knees soft. Hold a dumbbell in each hand and raise arms so that your biceps are parallel to the ground, arms at 90 angles, palms facing forward.
Exhale as you slowly straighten arms until they are extended as you press your hands straight-up toward the ceiling.
Inhale as you return your arms back to the starting position (biceps parallel to the group and at 90 degree angles).
Repeat 12 times. Do three sets.

Fit's Tip: You can also do overhead presses while sitting on a bench. Or to challenge yourself a little more do them while sitting on an exercise ball.

Source

FitSugar -- Healthy, happy you.

ExerciseTV: Squat With Side Bend and Overhead Press

Back to Basics: Overhead Press