Its that time of year here in gorgeous western Michigan when the sun starts shining more often, the day time lengthens, the weather warms up (or so we hope!) and most importantly we start to plan those warm weather activities on or near the lakeshore! And….if you are anything like me, my 2018 spring break not only “filled my cup” with amazing memories, it also renewed my motivation to get back to my 2018 goals of taking care of myself: body, mind, and soul, of which includes engaging in purposeful movement as well as activities of rejuvenation. The movements I discuss below target some of my favorite areas of the body, the upper body: back, chest, arms and core.

Bench Dip

Pushups
Pushups are an effective way for developing your entire upper body: biceps, triceps, chest, and shoulders and as you will see below can be performed in a variety of ways. Be sure to activate glutes and thighs as well as brace abdominals throughout each exercise to keep your body in proper alignment as well as make it a full body workout. *Perform 8-12 repetitions of each, 2-3 times. Stay connected to your breath with each repetition, inhale as you lower the body, exhale as you return to the starting position/during the “work” of the exercise.

Inverted Shoulder Press

Decline Pushup

Close Hand Pushup

Be well and move mindfully,
Xo,
Jen