When
the winter sweaters are replaced with the tank tops of
summer, your shoulders need to be ready for their warm
weather debut. You can make sure that yours are summer
ready from the inside out. By focusing on toning and
firming the muscles with some shoulder exercises, as well
as skin care that will smooth and scrub, your shoulders
will be a beautiful, sexy addition to your summer
wardrobe. It’s never too soon to think about getting those
shoulders in shape, so grab some dumbbells and let’s get
started!
Shoulder Toning Exercises
To get
your shoulders in top condition, the only equipment you
will need is a pair of dumbbells in the two to five pound
range. If you stick with a program of strength training
exercises three times a week that focus on this area, you
will tone and strengthen your shoulders and improve your
posture at the same time. Most shoulder exercises are easy
to do while you are sitting and watching television, and
do not require much space or any additional equipment.
Lateral
raises are a great shoulder exercise to get your neck,
shoulders and upper back into summer-ready shape. To
perform lateral raises, hold a dumbbell in each hand, and
bend your arms at the elbow. Slowly raise your arms until
your elbows are even with your shoulders, and lower.
Repeat this move ten to fifteen times, in sets of two or
three at a single session. Another good exercise for your
shoulders is to sit down with your back straight. Bring
your hands, holding the weights, up to your shoulders.
Slowly raise your hands over your head and then lower
again. You can perform the same number of repetitions and
sets as you did with the lateral raises. In no time, you
will have the shapely shoulders that will show off those
summer duds with style.
Skin Care for the Shoulders
Toned
shoulders will only get you so far if they don’t look good
on the surface as well. Start your skin care with a good
scrub that will remove the dead skin cells of the summer
and reveal the fresh skin underneath. If you have age
spots or freckles in this area, you can use a skin
lightening agent to minimize their appearance. Make sure
that you always smooth on a moisturizer after bathing to
keep those shoulders looking soft and smooth. This is a
great spot for your favorite scented lotion. For a truly
pampering experience, indulge your shoulders in a
professional massage or skin care treatment designed
especially for them.
Your
shoulders will get plenty of visibility when the
temperature warm up. Make sure that yours are ready to hit
the summer season in style.
