Exercise of the Week: Arm Circles

Hello Everyone!

Welcome back!  Hope your legs feel good after last week's Power Jacks ;)  As promised here are my results:

Day 1: 14-15-15-12-14-9-12-13
Day 2: 16-14-15-16-14-10-10-12
Day 3: 16-16-15-17-13-11-8-13

How did you all do?  How many days were you able to challenge yourself to perform more?

This week I decided to shift the focus away from legs....and cardio and stick to something simple yet effective.  I came up with Arm Circles!  This is such an easy way to tone your arms and you literally need no equipment, no special clothing, and can do them ANYWHERE!  I like to incorporate Arm Circles into my treadmill walks at work, but I also do them at home, my desk, or while watching TV.  I challenge you to perform 3 sets of 2 consecutive minutes or Arm Circles 3-4 times this week!
 

Arm Circles

Target Muscles: Shoulder Girdle Muscles (Trapezius, Levator Scapulae, Serratus Anterior, Sternocleidomastoid, Rhomboids, Pectoralis Minor)

Stand with your legs shoulder width apart and your arms out like a "T" maintaining relaxed shoulders.  Make small circles with your arms moving forward or backwards (or alternating throughout the 2 minutes) while maintaining the posture shown above.  Perform Arm Circles with or without weights.

This is a great exercise to perform at the start of your workout as it not only works your shoulders, but it provides a good stretch before heavier lifting.  It helps improve posture, too!

Enjoy :)

- Courtney