(Primary muscles: lower traps)

Lie prone on a floor mat with your arms extended in front of your head at 10:00 and 2:00. Bend your arms at approximately 10 degree angles and point your thumbs upward toward the ceiling and raise your hands approximately 2-3 inches off the ground. You should feel the muscles of your mid back working and tightening.

Note: Avoid shrugging the shoulders towards your ears when performing this exercise.

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