Jimi Varner

Standing Dumbbell Press

Another great Home Gym Exercise is the Standing Dumbbell Press. Pick up a pair of dumbbells and stand. Standing with feet approximately shoulder width apart. Hold a dumbbell in each hand, just above shoulder level, with your elbows out and palms facing forward. Press the dumbbells up and in until they almost touch above your head. Press the weights up until your arms are almost straight with your elbows just short of being locked. Then slowly lower the dumbbells to the starting position.

Side Dumbbell Raise

Stand with a dumbbell in each hand, palms facing your body. Your feet should be approximately shoulder width apart. Maintain a slight bend in your elbows throughout the exercise so that your arms are straight, but not quite locked. Lift the weight to the side of you in a wide arc until it is slightly higher than shoulder height. With a smooth, controlled motion, lower the weight. Do not cheat by swinging or leaning backwards.