Want to strengthen your shoulders, prevent shoulder injuries, and get "summer arms"? Then these 5 exercise are for you. All of these shoulder exercises can be done with light to medium hand weights. Stand with your feet hip width apart. Soften (don't lock) your knees and draw your lower abdomen in. Perform each exercise 12 to 15 times. As you get stronger you can add one or two more sets of each exercise.

1. Front Raise: Slowly raise both dumbbells with straight arms, stopping when they are parallel with your shoulders. Lower the weight even more slowly than you lifted it up.

2. Upright Row: Raise both dumbbells toward your chin, coming straight up the front of your body. Stop when the weights are level with your chest. The elbows will be slightly higher than the hands. Lower slowly.

3. Lateral Raise: Start with dumbbells together in front of the body, knuckles touching. Raise the arms out to the side of your body. Bent elbows are easier than straight arms. Return to starting position and repeat.

4. Rear Deltoid Pressback: With straight arms, hold the weights slightly behind the body. Keeping the arms straight, press both arms backward until you feel the work in the back of your shoulder. Return to starting position and repeat.

5. Bent Over Lateral Raise: Same as exercise number 3, but bent forward from the hips. Make sure to hold your abs in tightly to support your lower back, and keep your knees bent. When raising the arms out to the side, turn your thumbs toward the floor and your pinky fingers to the ceiling to get an added "bonus".

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