This intermediate/advanced upper body workout focuses on both strength and endurance
for the chest, back, shoulders and arms. In the following
supersets,
you'll alternate a traditional exercise using heavy weights with the
same exercise using lighter weights. The difference is, the second
exercise involves alternating the arms, making the move more challenging
and incorporating the core for stability. See
below for more guidelines.
Chest Press

Lie on a step or ball and press heavy weights up and down, straight
up over the chest for 12 reps.
Alternating Chest Press
With a lighter weight, switch to an alternating chest press, pushing
the right arm up and down and then the left arm, alternating for 16 reps on each
arm. Alternate each exercise for 1-3 sets.
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Pushups
On the knees, toes or on the ball, perform as many pushups as you
can with good form.
Pushups with Medicine Ball
This time, do a pushup with the right hand resting on a medicine
ball. Roll the ball to the left hand for a pushup and continue for as many reps as you
can with good form. Alternate each exercise for 1-3 sets.
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Bent Over Dumbbell Row

Hold a heavy weight in one hand and tip forward (back flat, abs in). Bend
the elbow and pull up until it is
level with the back. Lower and repeat for 12 reps before switching sides.
Alternating Dumbbell Row
Immediately pick up lighter weights in both hands for the same exercise,
this time alternating by bringing the right arm up and down
followed by the left. Continue for 16
reps on each arm. Alternate each exercise for 1-3 sets.
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High Row with Bands

Wrap a band around a sturdy object and hold the handles with arms straight, palms down. Pull the elbows back, squeezing the shoulder blades and keeping arms
parallel to ground. Repeat for 12 reps.
Alternating High Row

Move closer or use a lighter band and go into alternating high rows for 16
reps on each arm. Keep the abs tight and all the movement in the
arms, not the torso. Alternate each exercise for 1-3 sets.
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Overhead Barbell Press
Choose a heavy weight (bar or dumbbells) you can safely lift and press
the arms straight up over the head (abs engaged, don't arch the
back). Lower and repeat for 12 reps.
Alternating Overhead Press

Now do the exercise with medium dumbbells, alternating the arms,
pushing the right arm up and down and then the left. Repeat for 16 reps on each arm.
Alternate each exercise for 1-3 sets.
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Upright Row

Hold a medium-heavy weight with hands close together and pull the weight up to
mid-chest, leading with the elbows. Lower and repeat for 12
reps.
Front/Side Raise

Lift the right arm in a front raise to shoulder level while lifting
the left arm to the side in a lateral raise. Lower and repeat,
doing a front raise with the left arm and lateral raise with the right arm
for 12 reps for each arm. Alternate each exercise for 1-3 sets.
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Barbell Curls

Hold a heavy weight and bend the elbows to curl the weight towards the
shoulders. Lower and repeat for 12 reps.
Alternating Dumbbell Curls

Hold lighter weights and curl the right arm up and down and then the
left arm, alternating sides for 16 reps on each arm.
Alternate each exercise for 1-3 sets.
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Tricep Kickbacks

Holding a heavy weight in the right hand, bend over with back flat and
abs in, pulling the elbow up to torso level. Extend the arm straight
and then lower for 12 reps before switching sides.
Alternating Kickbacks

Now use lighter weights in both hands and perform the same move, this time
alternating the arms for 16 reps on each side. Alternate each exercise for 1-3 sets.
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