Workout Question

[jmfargo]

Aside from push-ups, because I hate them with a loathing that will last ages after I have passed on, what is the best way to gain upper-body strength? I'm looking mostly for weight exercises, whether they're free-weight or on a machine.

Any help? I know I've got at least a few people on here that know a bit about working out and are in good shape themselves.

Comments

[conscience.livejournal.com]

I always try to use free weights.

Bicep curls, with palms holding the weights first for one rep outward, then middle, then inward. Tricep extensions are good. Shoulder lifts...lifting the weights in hands straight ahead to eye level, as well as can focus the movement as the bicep curls with hands pointing in, middle and out. Can also do these to the side, I forget what it's called, but they DO work...owie :)

Lay down on a cushion or raised area, and you can do 'benching' weights...again, with multiple hand movements to focus on different muscles, going straight up AND from the sides. Those feel good to me....pectoral strength for the win!

The key to all of these is slow and steady movement, both pushing up, AND the downward moves. With my back problem, I have been using 10lb weights, 12 reps, 3 sets. One day I may be back to my 20lb weights...I hope!!

And ALWAYS stretch before AND after!

[brightflashes.livejournal.com]

yes the slower and more deliberate the better.

[jfargo.livejournal.com]

I'm thinking of purchasing some free weights for the house, just because I always have felt self-conscious about doing them in the gym. Yes, I quite honestly know that nobody is judging me lifting tiny little weights next to the bodybuilder with hulking biceps lifting the weight bench, but my brain goes "BLARGH-A-DIDDLE!" and I freak out a little inside.

Too much information? Maybe. But the point still stands; I'll probably have to get some free weights for the house.

That way, too, I can lift while watching TV.