(Primary muscles: pectorals)

Grasp two dumbbells and sit at the end of a bench with your feet set shoulder width apart. Lie backward on the bench. Lift the weights to a position directly above the shoulder joint. Rotate the wrists so the palms are facing inward toward each other throughout the movement. Bend your arms about 10 degrees. Keep them rounded as you lower the dumbbells downward and outward in a semicircular arc until they are below the level of your chest. Slowly reverse the movement and return the dumbbells along the same arcs to the starting point.

Note: Be careful not to allow your elbows to travel forward during this exercise as this can lead to a shoulder injury.

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