Toned shoulders might not get maximum attention in the winter. We’re not walking around in tank tops or spaghetti strap dresses for the ladies but it’s important to keep your shoulders toned and strong no matter the season. Remember those shoulder pads they put in clothes in the 1980s? Well, they were popular because they made people look fit, their bodies more streamlined. Some of them rivaled football shoulder pads while others gave the right amount of bulk, bulk that can be easily achieved with some very simple shoulder exercises.

The best shoulder exercises are often the simplest. You don’t need a lot of equipment for these and can even get by using stuff you have around the house. However, if you have dumbbells or resistance bands, that would work best.

Shoulder Press- The obvious shoulder exercise that must be included in this group is the classic shoulder press. You do this move by standing with feet shoulder width apart and a dumbbell or weight of choice in each hand. Position your arms on either side of your head, with elbows bent. The shoulder press is done by simultaneously raising both hands toward the ceiling, straightening the arms, and then lowering back to starting position.

Lateral Raise- Another move for the shoulders is the lateral raise. Again, start with feel shoulder width apart and grasp a weight in each hand. Starting position is with your arms down at your side. The move involves raising the weights out from the sides of your body until your arms are reaching out straight from your shoulders, as if you are spreading your wings. Slowly lower to starting position.

Front Raise- Another of my favorites is the front raise. Similar to the lateral raise in positioning, you simply raise arms to the front of your body so that they are straight and positioned in front of your chest at the top of the move.

There are many shoulder exercises that can do wonders for this area of the body. If you are looking for a great shoulder workout, check out the P90X Shoulder & Arms DVD for some serious burn. No matter the shoulder exercises you choose, make sure you are including some in your regular strength training routine for maximum results and to ensure you are ready to bare those shoulders when the weather turns warm once again.