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Watch our speedy upper body workout to get ‘chiselled’ in time for summer

26 June 2024 , 11:49
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Personal trainer Tee Mash demonstrates each exercise in the video above
Personal trainer Tee Mash demonstrates each exercise in the video above

CHISELLED arms and a toned torso? That's what we all want, right?

Now that the sun is finally out and we're all showing a bit more skin, many of us will be desperate for a last-minute summer confidence boost.

Tee Mash, from The Gym Group, has shared his ultimate upper body circuit eiqtiqiqrzprw
Tee Mash, from The Gym Group, has shared his ultimate upper body circuitCredit: The Gym Group

Well it doesn't take hours upon hours of slogging away in the gym to get strong and trim, according to a personal trainer.

All you need is a solid 30-minute upper body circuit that you repeat once or twice a week, Tee Mash said.

The PT and general manager at The Gym Group Nottingham said: "Do you want chiselled shoulders, back, arms and chest?

What Ola and James Jordan really ate and did to shed 7stWhat Ola and James Jordan really ate and did to shed 7st

"This is the upper body workout to help you get there.

"We're going to focus on compound movements to maximise your results and keep your heart rate high."

Here, he talks you through each exercise and how many times you need to do it to see results.

Warm up - 1,000m row

He begins with a warm-up on a rowing machine
He begins with a warm-up on a rowing machineCredit: The Gym Group

Tee said: "We need to warm the body up first, and for this, we're going to use the rower.

"First, adjust the foot straps so they run across the middle of your feet.

"Then, set the resistance level for your fitness level and strength.

"With a straight back, grab the handles and drive your legs back.

"Pull the handles to your midriff and reverse. The movement should be fluid."

Continue doing this until you hit 1,000 metres (this should take about three and a half minutes).

Exercise 1 - pull-ups (4 sets of 8 reps)

The first exercise is a round of pull-ups - either using a bar or an assisted machine
The first exercise is a round of pull-ups - either using a bar or an assisted machineCredit: The Gym Group
The machine is great if you're new to the exercise
The machine is great if you're new to the exerciseCredit: The Gym Group

"Moving on to the workout, and first up is the pull-ups," Tee said.

I’m a fitness pro & everyone makes the same mistake when trying to lose weightI’m a fitness pro & everyone makes the same mistake when trying to lose weight

For this, you will need to find a pull-up bar or assisted machine.

"Grip the bar with an overhand grip with your arms shoulder width apart," the fitness expert said.

"Pull yourself up by moving your elbows towards the floor, until your chin is over the bar. Then slowly let yourself back down."

Do six to eight reps, rest for 60 to 90 seconds, then repeat it again four times.

"Top tip - use the assisted machine if you can't do body-weight pull ups," Tee added.

Pull-ups engage a number of muscles, including the lats, biceps, pecs and trapezius.

Exercise 2 - incline bench press (4 sets of 6 reps)

Second is an incline bench press
Second is an incline bench pressCredit: The Gym Group
You should try to do four sets of six reps - but adjust the weight to be right for you
You should try to do four sets of six reps - but adjust the weight to be right for youCredit: The Gym Group

Next up is the incline barbell bench press.

"Adjust the bench to a 45 degree angle and lie back," Tee said.

"Grip the bar just outside of shoulder width apart.

"Lower it to the middle of your chest and drive it back up while keeping your feet firmly on the ground."

Do four sets of six reps, resting for 60 to 90 seconds between each one.

This will target your chest, shoulders and arms.

Exercise 3 - military press (4 sets of 8 reps)

A military press will target your shoulders
A military press will target your shouldersCredit: The Gym Group
Tee demonstrates the move here
Tee demonstrates the move hereCredit: The Gym Group

"We're now going to tackle your shoulders with a military press," Tee said.

"Stand over the bar with an overhand grip and pull the bar to your collarbone.

"From here, you want to push the bar up over your head, keeping your core braced, and bring it back to your collarbone."

Try to do this eight times, then rest, before doing the same again three more times.

Exercise 4 - superset (4 minutes)

To finish off, alternate between two exercises for four minutes
To finish off, alternate between two exercises for four minutesCredit: The Gym Group
Drive your elbows back while keeping them close to your body, then return to full extension
Drive your elbows back while keeping them close to your body, then return to full extensionCredit: The Gym Group
Then try a press-up - this can be on your toes or your knees
Then try a press-up - this can be on your toes or your kneesCredit: The Gym Group
Keep your core nice and tight, Tee said
Keep your core nice and tight, Tee saidCredit: The Gym Group

"To finish off, we're performing a 'superset' - where you do two exercises back to back and then rest after you complete both," Tee said.

"Adjust the seat and chest pad so your arms can fully extend.

"Drive your elbows back while keeping them close to your body, then return to full extension.

"Do 12, and you then want to go straight into press-ups.

"Lie flat on the floor with your hands shoulder width apart and balance on your toes.

"Push yourself up and then lower yourself to the ground until your elbows are at 90 degrees.

"Keep your core nice and tight and repeat 12 times.

"To make this exercise easier, drop to your knees. To make it harder, perform a plyo press-up by pushing yourself up with greater force, so your upper body leaves the floor for a split second."

Continue this cycle for four minutes, and then you're done!

"That is your upper body workout," Tee said.

"Remember to keep the weights challenging, rest for 60 to 90 seconds between every set, keep hydrated."

Also, don't forget to have a good stretch afterwards to reduce your risk of injury.

Alice Fuller

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