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If you're looking to work your upper-body muscles, get a mini resistance band and do these three exercises shared by Le Sweat [3] founder and certified strength and conditioning specialist Charlee Atkins [4], featured on our Instagram Live workouts. They may look easy since you're not lifting heavy weights, but once you try them, you'll see how intense they feel!
Don't expect to break a sweat or be worried that you didn't. Atkins told POPSUGAR that mini resistance bands are used for mobility and muscle activation. She said they don't provide enough resistance to give you "huge muscle gains," but they are an important tool to help "improve your form for all the major compound lifts." Mini bands are also convenient! Atkins said you can throw them in your bag so you always have some sort of fitness equipment with you. Plus, they're fairly inexpensive and easy to find! Check out the upper-body exercises ahead.
Upper-Body Mini-Resistance-Band Routine From Charlee Atkins
Equipment needed: one mini resistance band
Directions: After doing an upper-body warmup like this [6] or a few minutes of jumping jacks, arm circles, or plank shoulder taps, complete three to five sets of the three exercises below. Rest one minute between each set. Finish with a cooldown like these arm and chest stretches [7].
- Lateral press: 30 seconds per side
- Triceps pull-down: 30 seconds per side
- Bicep curl: 30 seconds per side