Star Quality: Maria Sharapova's Shoulders
For shoulders that are sexy, and strong enough to ace the competition, hit these game-winning exercises at the gym
Game, set, match. That’s often the case when Maria Sharapova takes the court. But the Wimbledon- and U.S. Open-winning ace is as much a killer off the court as she is on. As Maria turns away the competition in pursuit of her first Australian Open championship, she's also turning heads Down Under with her superstar looks. So what's the secret to her strong game and glamorous body? Shoulders that are sexy, and strong enough to serve up an ace. Try out these exercises to get a pair of your own:
Dumbbell Lateral Raises
Standing shoulder width apart, hold your arms down at your side with a dumbbell in each hand. As you exhale, raise the dumbbells to just above your shoulder level; inhale as you lower the weight. This is one rep. Do three sets of 10, then repeat the exercise lifting the dumbbells to your front.
Dumbbell Shoulder Press
Sitting on a chair, bench or exercise ball with your feet flat on the floor, hold a dumbbell in each hand, keeping extending your arms straight to the side and forming a 90-degree angle at the elbow; your hands should be pointed toward the ceiling. Exhaling, fully extend your arms straight up; inhaling, lower the weight. This is one rep. Do three sets of 10. Note: This exercise also can be performed on a military-press machine at the gym.
Upright Row
Stand shoulder width apart. Hold your arms down in front of you; use either dumbbells for weights or a barbell, held with a close grip. Exhaling, lift the bar of dumbbells straight up to chest level; inhaling, lower the weight. This is one rep. Do three sets of 10.
In addition, hitting the court and practicing your racketwork will help strengthen your muscles and improve your form.
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