For most people, getting a lower body workout comes easy—you walk, run, cycle or climb stairs every day. It’s the strong and toned upper body you have to work for. And who wants to spend summer evenings doing bicep curls and overhead presses in a stuffy gym?
With these fun exercises, you don’t have to. They’re total-body workouts with extra emphasis on the arms and core, and they’re perfect for summer—and for inviting friends:
Summer sports
Tennis, swimming and volleyball are three summer activities that’ll give you arms and shoulders so sculpted, you could make a Grecian statue jealous. If you’ve been thinking of joining a sports team or class, or even planning some activities for your camping trip or weekends at the park, do one of these. Your arms will almost instantly turn to jelly, and you’ll know what I’m talking about. Bonus: all of these sports dish up great cardio benefits, making them twice as nice as weight-lifting.
Kick-boxing
Don’t be fooled by the name—kick-boxing is going to kill your arms and shoulders. Especially the hip-hop dance variation Turbokick, which looks like a blast (here’s a video example). Spotted on the 24-Hour Fitness schedule and also available on DVD, Turbokick has people jabbing and upper-cutting their way to amazing arms, not to mention equipping them with fist-pumping moves that would intimidate Justin Bieber.
Rowing
Rowing might just win the gold medal for upper-body workouts. Whether you’re kayaking or canoeing across a lake or just using the rowing machine at the gym, prepare to paddle your arms, abs, back and shoulders into stone—and to erase your armpit flab in the process. Many aquatics centers offer rowing lessons and classes, which can teach you smooth strokes for avoiding injury, as well as how to maximize your “sweeps” (rowing with one oar) and “sculls” (rowing with two oars).
Aerial Arts
Exercising with a trapeze is surprisingly fun! I tried suspended yoga earlier this summer, one of several “aerial arts” exercises that incorporates a silk swing, and from climbing the ropes to holding balancing poses while suspended, it makes for a great upper body workout. (You may be in a hammock but your legs and glutes get a workout, too, trust me.) Aerial fitness classes are popping up at aerial arts studios, universities and even continuing education programs, with plenty of beginner-level instruction. Classes cater to all age groups and the ropes can support around 1,000 lbs.
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The best part about these exercises: they’re fitness-buddy activities, making them more likely to become a regular part of your fitness routine. Which ones will make their way into your workout lineup?
Other articles you might like:
Why it pays to have a fitness buddy
5 ways to get your kids healthier
Summer calorie burn