Simple Weight-Lifting Routine by Denise Austin

Lift 4: Front Raise

Target: Shoulders

Version A: (This is easier than version B. If you have shoulder problems, this is a safer arm raise.) Stand with your feet together and your knees slightly bent. Hold a dumbbell at each side with your arms nearly straight and your palms facing your body. Raise one arm up, leading with your thumb. Lift the weight to chest height or slightly higher and squeeze your bicep. Slowly lower the dumbbell to the starting position. Do 12 repetitions and repeat on other arm.

OR

Version B: Turn the dumbbells to rest on your thighs with your knuckles facing the ceiling. Slowly lift one arm up to shoulder level, keeping the elbow slightly bent. Exhale and lower the arm. Do two sets of 12 repetitions with a 20-second rest between sets. Switch sides and repeat with other arm. You also can do this exercise without any dumbbells.