A weight on your shoulders that can help

A fun, new way to target your shoulder muscles is to train with light dumbbells (3 to 5 pounds) on a large stability ball. If you don’t have a ball, you can lie sideways on an incline bench for the same effect. Because your shoulders are one of the most mobile and vulnerable joints, pay close attention to correct form to help prevent injury.

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-- Karen Voight

1 Lie with the right side of your body supported on a stability ball and extend your right leg straight out underneath you. Balance on the outside edge of your right foot. Bend your left knee and place the foot flat on the floor in front of you. Hug the ball with your right arm to feel comfortable and stable. Grasp a dumbbell in your left hand with arm at your side, resting the dumbbell alongside your left hip. Focus on lifting your sternum and pulling your shoulder blades down and in toward your midback.

2 Slowly lift your arm until it forms a straight line with your shoulders. Pause at the top of the lift, then slowly lower to the start position. Do not let your hips and shoulders wobble during the exercise. Allow only your arm to move up and down slowly, with control. Repeat eight to 12 reps on each side.

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Karen Voight can be reached at kvoightla@aol.com.