Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your knees slightly bent. Or sit up straight in a chair.
Hold a 1- to 2-pound weight in each hand. The weight may be a dumbbell, a can of food, or a filled water bottle.
Bend your elbows 90 degrees while keeping them at your sides. With your palms facing in, hold the weights straight in front of you.
Slowly lift the weights and your elbows out to the sides to shoulder level, keeping your elbows bent. Keep your shoulders down and relaxed as you lift. If you find that you are shrugging your shoulders up toward your ears, your weights may be too heavy. Try using lighter weights (or even no weights).
Slowly lower the weights and your elbows until your elbows are back at your sides.
Repeat 8 to 12 times.
Current as of: May 1, 2026
Author: WebMD Ignite Staff Clinical Review Board All WebMD Ignite education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
Clinical Review Board All WebMD Ignite education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
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