Firming deltoids

[Dianne]

Hi Cathe,
I have a question about the deltoids. How do
you firm them up? I run about 5 miles a week and
I don't really like step. I love high aerobic
floor routines and haven't really tried kickboxing
yet. It seems above my knee and upper leg
needs firming. Any suggestions? Whatever you
suggest will be appreciated. Thanks. Dianne

 

[Cathe Friedrich]

Hi Dianne!

To firm up your deltoids(shoulders)simply do three to four shoulder exercises (3 sets of 10 to 12 reps for each exercise)two times per week. Be sure to include an exercise for each portion of the shoulder(front delts, medial delts, rear delts). Three sample exercises would be front delt raises, medial delt raises, and reverse flys. Excessive running does seem to deplete the upper body of its muscle tone. I think its important to counterbalance this through weight training. As for the lack of muscle tone above your knee and upper leg area, again incorporate weight training for the lower body as well. Another thing that I strongly recommend is to give that kickboxing a try. The numerous kicks will not only firm up your leg muscles but all the punching will give you quite a shoulder workout as well. Good Luck!