Chair Shoulder Presses

What it is

Push your hands up from shoulder height to overhead, then lower. Strength for reaching up to shelves.

How to do it

1. Sit tall with hands at shoulder height, palms forward.
2. Press both hands up overhead.
3. Lower them back to shoulder height.
4. Keep your back tall and stomach gently tight.

Key tip: Don't arch your lower back as the arms go up.

Who should skip it, and why

• Your shoulder hurts when you lift your arm above shoulder height (for example a rotator cuff problem or frozen shoulder). Reaching overhead squeezes the sore tissues. Keep your hands below shoulder height instead, or skip it.

Easier and harder versions

Easier

Press forward instead of up.

Harder

Use light water bottles, or slow the lowering to 3 seconds.

How much

In our videos each move runs for about 40 seconds with 20 seconds of rest. Start with less if you need to. Comfortable effort is the goal, not exhaustion.