Exercise of the Week: At Home Band Exercise

This week I'd like to demonstrate an exercise that you can do right at home using just a resistance  band. The exercise is called a Band 1 Arm Standing Chest Press and is great for working your shoulder and chest muscles, while keeping your abs and core muscles engaged throughout the set.

In the photo you see below, a member of my team is using a band with a nylon strap attached to one end. We simply slid the band into the hinge of a door and closed it to anchor the band in place. However, you can easily fasten a band of any type to a post or door way hinge in any secure way you'd like.

The Band 1 Arm Standing Chest Press  makes for a great way to stay on your feet while working your upper body muscles and is sure to help you tone and define those muscles on your way to reaching your goals.

Here's how to complete it:
1. Attach a band to a secure object
2. Hold a band in your right hand with your palm facing the floor
3. Step forward with your left foot to maintain a staggered stance throughout
4. With both feet firmly in place press your right arm out in front of your chest
5. Once your arm is almost fully straightened and lined up in front of the right part of your chest ease the band and your arm back
6. After your hand comes back to your shoulder repeat for 12-15 repetitions
7. When you finish the right side alternate your legs and use your left side

Tips to remember:
1. Keep tension on the band the entire set
2. Breathe out on the way out and in on the way back
3. Keep your balance
4. Don't over twist as you press out or come back
5. Keep your elbow and wrist lined up at shoulder/chest height
6. Make sure your wrist stays straight
7. Concentrate on squeezing your chest muscles with each rep

Enjoy this at home exercise!