(Primary muscles: lower-outer pectorals, anterior-medial deltoids and triceps)

Grasp two dumbbells and sit at the high end of a decline bench with your lower legs wedged beneath the restraint bars. Rest the dumbbells on the ends of your knees. Lie back on the angled surface of the bench, simultaneously bringing the weights to a position at straight arms\’ length. Rotate the wrists so the palms are facing forward throughout the movement. Be sure to keep your elbows out to the sides as you do the movement. Slowly bend your arms and lower the weights directly downward and slightly out to the sides until they are in as low a position as is comfortably possible at the sides of your torso. Without bouncing the weights in the bottom position, slowly press the dumbbells back along the same arc to the starting position.

Shaun Karp is a certified personal trainer in Vancouver. For further information call his office at 604-420-7800.