Shrug off aches as you strengthen shoulders
Karen Voight can be reached at kvoightla@aol.com.
Strengthening your upper back muscles (the upper trapezius) will make it easier to carry heavy bags over your shoulders and help provide support for your neck if you play contact sports, such as football.
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1 Hold a dumbbell in each hand with your arms by your sides, palms facing inward. Stand up straight; keep your feet shoulder-width apart and your abdominals pulled in toward your spine.
2 Slowly raise your shoulders toward your ears. Pause at the top of the lift, then release your shoulders down to the starting position. When lifting the dumbbells, try not to let your head tilt forward or round your upper back.
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-- Karen Voight