Easy Exercises for a Lean Upper Body

                                        

Your upper body includes major muscles that you use while doing many daily tasks. 

Keeping these muscles in good shape is important for performance and posture. A number of exercises are effective for strengthening the muscles in your upper body.

Push-ups

Lie face down with your palms on the ground to do push-ups. Make sure you align your palms directly beneath your shoulders. Hold your lower body up with the balls of your feet. Keep your back and neck straight. Push your body up off the ground by straightening your elbows, and lower back down without touching the ground.

Side Push-ups

To do side push-ups, lie down on your left side. Place the palm of your right hand on the floor in front of your chest, and relax your left arm over the front of your body. Push your body up off the ground with your right arm, keeping hips and feet on the floor. Then, lower back down without touching the ground.

Bicep Curls

Do bicep curls while standing or sitting, with a dumbbell in each hand. Begin with your arms relaxed at your sides, holding the dumbbells with your palms facing your body. Lift one of the dumbbells up toward your shoulder. Pause when your elbow is fully bent, and then lower back down.

Triceps Dips

Use a steady chair or workout bench to do triceps dips. Support your body by putting your hands on the edge of the bench with your arms straight. Extend your legs in front of you. Bend your elbows to lower your body toward the ground. Push back up to lift, and repeat the motion. Do not lock your elbows when you straighten your arms.

These are some of the easiest exercises for upper body strengthening. The chest fly, upright row and bench press are also great exercises for your upper body. In addition, make sure to incorporate core and lower body exercises for a balanced workout.