You may feel like you have to gravitate towards heavy dumbbells and barbells to sculpt a lean, toned physique, but you don’t. This Pilates-inspired workout uses slow, controlled movements and light weights to help strengthen and define the muscles in your arms, shoulders, and back. The exercises will also challenge your stability and balance, meaning your core will also get a total workout. Just grab two light dumbbells or two small water bottles and get ready to burn.
A strong upper body goes way beyond aesthetics. It helps us perform everyday activities such as carrying, lifting, and pushing with more ease, reducing our likelihood of injury. But, strengthening the muscles in our back and shoulders can also aid better posture. Pilates is particurlarly renowned for this, as its exercises enhance spinal alignment and improve core strength, helping us to sit more upright.
