Upper Body Exercises: Toning, Posture, and Pull-Up Success

Pull-ups and push-ups are fundamental movements for strengthening the upper body and improving overall posture. Learn the difference between isometric and isotonic exercises, and explore if facial movements can truly lift sagging skin.

Woman bench pressing weights with assistance of trainer

How to Bench Your Own Body Weight

The bench press engages several muscles—your pectoralis major, pectoralis minor, anterior deltoid, serratus anterior, triceps brachii and coracobrachialis. The bench press is a core fundamental exercise for developing upper body strength.

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Man doing push ups

Can You Do Push-ups with Back Pain?

Aches and pains, especially in the back, are something that many people deal with on a daily basis. The idea of working out completely pain-free is a bit of a fantasy -- there always seems to be a sore muscle somewhere. Performing pushups with back pain is OK as long as you're not suffering from a serious back injury.

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Building some muscle at the gym

How to Decrease the Size of My Trapezius

When discussing traps that are too big, the upper traps are generally the part of the muscle of interest. Large traps can give your upper back and shoulders a rounded appearance and, while this may be a fitness goal for some, it can be a hindrance to others.

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