Raise your hand...and arm!

I'm getting ready for a busy summer (check out our Swazzle News section, if you don't believe me :-) and thought I'd share some of the exercises I do to get myself prepped for performing. Please note, that I am NOT a Doctor or physical trainer. These are exercises I do under the supervision of MY trainer and I thought I'd mention 'em for your benefit.

If you are unsure of HOW to do these exercises, talk to your Doctor (OR, just ask for a day pass from your local gym--you can usually get one pass as an incentive to join!).

We'll start with shoulder excercises--believe me, ya needs good, strong shoulders for puppet work!

Shoulder Press (my favorite! I do them with free weights but, you can find great machines for this exercise at your gym):

- Stand so that your feet are directly under your hips and knees are slightly bent. Your elbows are bent (this brings your hands to shoulder level). Hold a dumbbell in each hand, palms facing out.

- Lift both dumbbells up at the same time (slowly) and allow them to meet in the center (above your head). Pause for one second and lower back to the start position of the shoulder exercise

REMEMBER: BREATHE! Exhale as you lift the dumbbells UP and Inhale as you lower them. To make this exercise effective, do it slow and steady. DO NOT USE YOUR BACK TO LIFT (NO ARCHING!). If you find yourself arching your back, lower the weight (don't be hero!) and start with fewer reps.

I recommend building up to two sets of 15 reps.

Front Raise (NOT my favorite but, I do it with a smile!):

- Stand so that your feet are directly under your hips and knees are slightly bent. Hold a dumbbell in each hand, arms down, palms facing your thighs.

- Keeping your arms straight, lift the dumbbells up until they are at shoulder level. The ONLY joint moving is your shoulder. Pause for a second and slowly lower back to start

REMEMBER: Again, the Breathing--Exhale as you lift UP and Exhale as you LOWER. NO ARCHING THE BACK! This particular exercise is a bear at times and the temptation is there--DO NOT GIVE IN! I MEAN IT! Also, don't let your arms bounce back up on you. Stay in control of this exercise. Slow and steady.

I recommend two sets of 15 reps.

For more shoulder exercise tips, click here

Enjoy!