A workout for shoulders

Use light resistance to develop strong shoulders with this exercise. You can avoid overworking your upper trapezius muscles by training one arm at a time.

Grasp a dumbbell in your right hand. Stand in a split stance with your left leg forward and bent and your right leg back and straight. Start with your right hand down below your right shoulder, near your left inner knee. Pull your abdominals in toward your spine and lean slightly forward over your left thigh.

With your elbow slightly bent, raise your right arm up to shoulder level. Pause. Be sure to keep your shoulders, chest and hips facing forward. Avoid twisting your upper body when you lift your arm. Repeat 12 times, then switch arms and legs and repeat on the other side. Do three sets on each side.

Voight is the creator of a line of fitness DVDs, including “Sleek Essentials.”

karen@karenvoight.com