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The Seated Press Up: Build Upper Body and Core Strength with No Equipment

With one simple exercise, work your core, abs and upper body anywhere.

By , About.com Guide

Updated August 28, 2008

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Seated Press Up

Seated Press Up

(c) E. Quinn
The Seated Press Up is a simple upper body and core strength exercise you can do with only a chair or bench. This is a perfect upper body and core strengthening exercise for office workers or your home workout routine.

Muscles Worked: abdominals, latissimus dorsi, teres major and the triceps, forearms, rhomboids, trapezius, rotator cuff.

How to Do It:

  • Sit on the edge of a chair, bench or table and place both hands, palms down, by your sides and lightly grip the edge of the chair.
  • Keep your hands directly below your shoulders.
  • Slowly push down, through your palms, and begin to lift up off the chair.
  • Hold yourself 1-2 inches off the chair for 2-10 seconds and slowly lower.
  • Rest 15-30 seconds and repeat 5-10 times.

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