Upper Body Workout Part 2: Shoulders and Stomach Time

Last Monday Health & Fitness Magazine editor Lucy Miller started toning your triceps and waist with the first part of her upper body workout, designed exclusively for Zaggora. Today, she moves onto the shoulders, upper back, and stomach.

Don’t forget to warm up first and do three circuits for best results, taking as little rest as possible between each move. Rest for 45 seconds after you’ve completed an entire circuit.

Last but not least, leave your questions for Lucy in the comments. She’ll be answering a select few on Friday right here at ZaggoraGirl. Fitness, nutrition, general wellbeing – any topic is fair game!

SHAPE YOUR UPPER BACK AND SHOULDERS…WITH FLOOR Y RAISE

Lucy Miller demonstrates the floor Y raise – part 1.

The floor & raise part 2.

This move may look easy, but don’t fall for it. It’s a slow, controlled move that will tone your upper back and shoulders while helping to pull your shoulders down and back so that you stand tall and straight, instead of hunched over.

Reps: 12

1. Lie face down on the floor with your forehead and arms resting on the floor, completely straight and at a 30-degree angle to your body, so they form a Y shape above your head.

2. With your palms facing each other, and your thumbs pointing up to the ceiling, pull your shoulder blades down your back, then raise your arms as high as you comfortably can, lifting your head and chest slightly off the floor too.

3. Hold for two seconds, then lower your arms slowly and with control.

BEAT BELLY BULGE…WITH REVERSE CRUNCHES

Reverse crunches.

This exercise is great for tackling your lower abs and that hard-to-reach soft area just below your belly button. Don’t forget to breathe throughout it!

Reps: 15

1. Lie on your back on the floor with your arms at your sides, your legs out straight and your feet a few inches off the ground.

2. Breathe in and bring your knees in towards your chest, while lifting your hips off the floor.

3. Extend your legs back out to the start position, breathing out as you do and keeping your core muscles engaged.

Next Monday we’ll be posting the final installment of this upper body workout series. Have you tried it so far?

Fitness expert Lucy Miller is Fitness Editor of Health & Fitness Magazine and is a qualified level 3 Personal Fitness Trainer. Read all about her on her website and follow her for excellent advice on Facebook and Twitter.

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