9am Get Up: Shoulder + Triceps

My back is STILL a little sore from Monday's workout. Probably because I haven't done deadlifts in a while. Checked in the bathroom 6 times yesterday, I figured it wasn't the acid reflux acting up afterall but simply a case of bad food or something. Feeling much better this morning!

About to head to gym in an hour, but not without a game plan. Already did cardio yesterday so I'm gonna do shoulders today. If you're on the Explode Program, check out Day 6 - Shoulder & Abs . I'm switching it up a bit because my body's gotten used to that routine.

Kicking off with 10 mins on the elliptical machine to get the heart rate up, followed by Smith Shoulder Press:

Smith Shoulder Press – 3 sets x 8 reps

Sit on bench with bar positioned in front of shoulders. Grasp bar with wide overhand grip. Disengage bar by rotating bar back. Press bar upward until arms are extended overhead. Lower bar to front of shoulders and repeat. Pull head back slightly so bar does not head. Range of motion will be compromised if grip is too wide.

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Barbell Close Grip Bench Press – 3 sets x 8 reps

Lie on bench and grasp barbell from rack with shoulder width grip. Lower weight to chest with elbows close to body. Push barbell back up until arms are straight. Repeat. Grip can be slightly narrower than shoulder width but not too close.

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Cable Pushdowns – 5 sets x 8 reps

This will work on your triceps. Effective for getting rid of flabby arms!

Face high pulley and grasp cable attachment with overhand narrow grip. Position elbows to side. Extend arms down. Return until forearm is close to upper arm. Repeat. The elbow can travel up few inches at top of motion. Stay close to cable to provide resistance at top of motion.

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Cable Decline Tricep Extensions – 3 sets x 8 reps

Position legs under lower leg pad and lie back on bench. Grasp bar with narrow overhand grip. Position bar near forehead or top of head.

Extend elbows to raise bar attachment until arms are straight. As arms extended, position them vertically. Lower bar by bending elbows. As bar nears head reposition elbows back just enough to allow bar to clear around curvature of head. Repeat.

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Dumbbell Arnold Press – 3 sets x 8 reps

Stand with two dumbbells position in front of shoulders, palms facing body and elbows under wrists. Initiate movement by bringing elbows out to sides. Continue to raise elbows outward while pressing dumbbells overhead until arms are straight. Lower to front of shoulders in opposite pattern and repeat.

*Important: Movement should emphasize shoulder abduction while minimizing forearm pronation as this exercise attempts to combine lateral raise like motion with shoulder press. Lean forward slightly when lifting dumbbells.

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I'll most likely do some lateral raises and dumbbell shrugs to end things off if I still have the energy...

If you're not confident with using the Smith machine or bar bell (especially if you don't have a trainer/someone supervising), it's best and safe to work with free weights. There are plenty of other routines where you can use dumbbells, that's why the Explode Program (Shoulders + Abs) was made easy for beginners.

Ladies, you will not get buff from these routines unless you have sumo's eating habits.

Follow these routines carefully and eat right - you WILL become toned and lean. Strong and lean is the way to go, not thin and frail!