This exercise is so easy, effective, and popular, even our logo is doing it!  Why stop to lift weights when you’re lifting groceries all the time anyway.  This multitasker puts great arms in the bag!

Holding one grocery bag in each hand (choose bags that are roughly of equal weight and aren’t too heavy, approximately 5 – 10 pounds each to start) begin with arms down at your sides and palms facing upwards grasping the handles.  Bend elbows and lifts bags to your shoulders, while keeping elbows tightly to your sides.  Slowly return to the starting position.  Lift both bags at once or alternate, lifting one bag at a time.  Continue for two sets of twelve.

Starting position - down at your sides.

All the way up! Keep those abs tight!

VARIATIONS:

Lower Slower: Lift bags as above, but lower bags SLOWLY to a count of three - chanting SQUEEZE-IT-IN helps!   

Hammer Curls:  Changing hand position, hold bags with palms facing inward as if holding hammer.  Raise and lower bags with palms facing inward and thumbs pointing at shoulders. Start with arms down by your sides and position your arms as if you were going to hammer in a nail, palms facing inward.  Bring up into a bicep curl  with thumb facing shoulder.