Play it straight with a workout for the back

Want to stand up straighter and taller? If so, then you should work to develop the muscles in your upper and middle back. This exercise also targets your rear deltoids to improve the overall shape of your shoulders.

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1 Holding a dumbbell in each hand, sit on the front edge of a sturdy chair or bench. Place your feet on the floor, in line with your knees. Bend forward at your hips and lower your upper body toward the floor, making sure to keep your back straight. Pull in your abdominals. Begin with your arms down, elbows slightly bent and palms facing in.

2 Pull your shoulder blades together and slowly raise the dumbbells out to the side. Keep your arms straight; don’t “lock” your elbows. Look toward the floor and try not to let your arms rise above shoulder level. Pause for a moment at the top of the lift, then slowly lower the dumbbells to the start position. Do two or three sets of 8 to 12 repetitions.

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-- Karen Voight