Exercise of the Week - Front Raise with Triceps Extension

I got several emails after last week's exercise of the week requesting more combination exercises. Combination moves which work more than one muscle are great for saving time. The downside is that, if you're working muscles that require different weights, you may not get the most out of your workout.

The front raise with a triceps extension is an exception. It works the front of the shoulders as well as the triceps, both of which are smaller muscles and can often handle similar weight. The key to making this move safe and effective is to take it slow and avoid swinging the weights. As you lower the weights behind you in the triceps extension, you want to have full control of the movement, so you might start with a lighter weight to get your form down.

Do it right: Sit or stand and hold light-medium weights at your sides. Keeping the palms facing each other, lift the arms up to shoulder level and then continue to take the arms up overhead until the arms are next to the ears. Bend the elbows and lower the weights behind the head. Straighten the arms and sweep them back down, repeating for 1-3 sets of 10-16 reps.

For more combination moves, try this Total Body Timesaver Workout.