Off the Bench

Busy women find a million excuses for not working out. The number one reason I hear over and over again is TIME. Well, I have found the cure! I know that women are expert multi-taskers so here is a way to do two things at once.

Every day in our environment you can find a myriad of potential tools that can be used as exercise equipment. One of my favorites is the park bench. Whether you are out taking a walk at your favorite park or watching your kids on the swings at the playground you will inevitably run into a bench. Perfect for push ups and dips. The best part is that these exercises work the back of your arms or tricep area which always seems to be a trouble spot for women as we age.

So instead of just passing by the bench or sitting down for a half hour to watch your children play, try some intervals with each of these exercises. The height of the bench will make full leg push ups easier than attempting the military style push ups performed on a flat surface. Face the bench, arms shoulder length apart, legs straight out behind you on your toes. Inhale and press down till your forehead almost touches the edge of the bench. Try not to lock your elbows and exhale on the up phase. Start with 10 to 12 repetitions.

Alternate the push-ups with dips.

For the dips, place your hands on the edge of the bench about hip distance apart, feet flat on the ground, knees at a 90 degree angle.  Push yourself up without locking your elbows. Do 10 to 12 repetitions of these.

Start with three sets of each exercise and work up to five sets in a half hour.

Incorporate this routine into your exercise program twice a week and you will see an amazing difference in the definition of your arms.

Your grass is green