Workouts at gym facilities should be fun! You are not required to perform every possible exercise available at your health club or gym. Plan to focus on completing one well-executed exercise for each muscle group.

Let's take a look at each of the major muscle groups and one of the workouts. Gym equipment is different at each facility. But certainly you can find appropriate equipment at your gym to perform at least one appropriate exercise for each group. NOTE: If your gym does not have at least one machine to exercise each of the following muscle groups, you probably need to a find a better-equipped gym.

::: Abdominals ::: Practice your best posture when using an ab machine. Keep your abs tight, your neck straight, and your chest up. Focus on your abs as you crunch up and forward. Do not use your arms. The motion is not a sit up ... it's an ab crunch. Keep your lower back flat on the machine. Slowly lower the weight almost to the end, then reverse and slowly return to your beginning position.

::: Triceps ::: When you use the tricep machine (excellent for non gym workouts), you will again need to use correct posture while keeping your back pressed against the machine. Keep your abs tight, your chest up, and elbows in. Slowly lower the weight, making sure to keep your elbows in. Right before you straighten your elbows, gently stop and move the weight back up. When your elbows reach a 90 degree position, gently stop and move the weight back down.

::: Biceps ::: Sit upright on the biceps machine and keep your back pressed against the back pad. Keep your abs tight, your chest up, and elbows in. Anchor your elbows in one position on the pad. Focus on your biceps as you lift the weight straight up. Slowly lift the weight to a 90 degree angle then carefully lower it back down and stop when your elbows are straight, then lift the weight back up to a 90 degree angle.

::: Forearms :: You can use a resistance band hammer curl to work your forearms even in home gym workouts. Both your feet and your grip should be the width of your shoulders. Keep your abs tight, your chest up, and knees bent. Keep your elbows in a stable position next to your sides. Your thumbs should be pointed forward as you lift the weight straight up. Slowly lift the weight to a 90 degree angle then carefully lower it back down and stop when your elbows are straight, then lift the weight back up to a 90 degree angle.

::: Shoulders ::: While sitting on a shoulder press, press your back against the back pad. Keep your abs tight while you bend your knees and relax your chest. Focus on your shoulders as you push the weight up. Slowly push up until your elbows are almost straight, then slowly reverse the motion. As soon as your elbows are in line with your shoulders, slowly reverse the motion and push the weight back up.

::: Chest ::: Using a chest press machine, press your back against the back pad. Keep your abs tight and try to keep your shoulders down while keeping your chest up. Focus on bringing your elbows together while pushing the weight out. Push out until your elbows are almost straight, then slowly reverse. As soon as your elbows are in line with your shoulders, carefully reverse the motion and slowly push the weight back up.

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