If you’re a regular gym-goer, the chances are you’re hoping to increase your upper body strength (and ideally see the results in the form of bigger, toned arm and back muscles). While going to the gym regularly and using weights and machines is great, there are other forms of exercise that will quickly and significantly boost your upper body strength. Check out these three suggestions for rapid and noticeable gains.
Bouldering
Bouldering is a form of climbing done without ropes. It will work your forearms, biceps and triceps, shoulders, and back as you scale up walls or boulders. Bouldering is also great for developing your grip strength, and this can benefit your overall workout techniques as greater grip strength will mean that you can safely handle higher weights in the gym.
Pull-Up Bar
There are plenty of pull-up bars available that can safely and temporarily hook over a door frame in your home. Once there, use it to practice dead hangs (simply gripping the bar and letting your body weight hang from your hands), as these will strengthen and tone your muscles and develop your posture. As your strength develops you can also start practicing pull-ups, too.
Calisthenics
Calisthenics are forms of exercise that use your own body strength to perform movements that will significantly strengthen and tone your muscles. Try Pilates videos on YouTube, or simply practice holding a plank for a set amount of time each morning to begin developing your upper body as well as your core strength.