While standing completely straight, hold a barbell plate in both of your hands with your hands positioned on the left and right sides, directly across from one another. Your palms should be pacing each other and your arms should be extended with a very slight bend at the elbows. The bottom of the plate should be resting on your thighs at this starting position. Slowly raise the plate until it rises above shoulder level, hold the peak contraction briefly, and then slowly lower the plate back into the starting position. Ensure that you are not swinging the weight or bending your elbows excessively in order to complete the exercise. This exercise can be performed with dumbbells, barbells, cables, or resistance bands in order to add variety to your routine.
