Break Through Workout
Unfortunately getting a ripped body is not as quick as those stupid late-night infomercials depict at night but getting on the path of looking so good that you’re beach ready at any moment can really start with a killer upper body workout designed for just that!
An Upper Body Focus
Why focus on your upper body? Looking good in a bathing suit may be one of your goals, but there’s a lot more you’re going to accomplish than a hot bod. Upper body workout are crucial for building and maintaining strength, as well as avoiding aches and pains in your shoulders, upper back, and lower back.
There are a lot of different approaches to how you split up your workout routines. Even if you’re a true beginner, I recommend organizing your plan according to upper and lower body workouts. This basic breakdown is going to let you get a little more focused – while still walking away from the gym feeling fit and strong.
This one gets at all the essentials. Add it to your current routine, or use it as an excuse to change things up and challenge your muscles.
Quick and Dirty Upper Body Routine
The How: Perform 1 set of each of the following exercise, in order. Aim for between 8 and 12 repetitions per set. After the first set, take 15-20 seconds to rest, and then move on to the next move. Continue this way until you reach the end.
- Chest press with dumbbells (view exercise)
- Barbell shoulder press (view exercise)
- Barbell rows (view exercise)
- Chest flye with dumbbells (view exercise)
- Lat pulldown on cable machine (view exercise)
- Bent-over dumbbell lateral raises (view exercise)
- Seated tricep extension (view exercise)
- Bent over dumbbell row (view exercise)
- Reverse hammer curls on bench (view exercise)
- Russian twist on stability ball (view exercise)
Bonus Move: If you have an extra minute or two, knock out some woodchoppers (view exercise). They’ll get your core muscles and shoulders, while also hitting a little lower body.
…and that’s about it! It doesn’t look too bad, but if you really push yourself and move through this workout with a little speed, you’re going to feel – and see – some pretty awesome results.
End It Right…
To get more out of every workout, I always recommend to my clients a high-quality protein powder to follow up all they’re hard work. Optimum 100% Casein Protein is still one of the best products on the market, and casein protein is naturally time-released. It takes longer to digest, so it actually feeds your muscles over a longer period of time. This can make a big difference when trying to see results fast.
If you’re vegan, or just trying to cut down on animal products, another option is Gardenia All Natural Vegan Protein. You’ll still get a pretty diverse set of amino acids in this stuff, and you won’t have to compromise on your dietary preferences or goals, plus it won’t leave you feeling all bloated like other vegan protein powders in the market.
Have any questions or feedback about my Quick and Dirty Upper Body Workout? Please leave a comment below…