MUSCLES ENGAGED Chest Strengthening the chest muscles will help you push things easily and effortlessly. The muscles in your chest help stabilize your shoulder joint, which reduces your vulnerability shoulder joint injuries. Working your chest muscles also has an aesthetic factor (body contouring). Shoulders The shoulder is the most movable joint in the body. However, it is an unstable joint because of the range of motion allowed. This instability increases the likelihood of joint injury, often leading to a degenerative process in which tissues break down and no longer function well. Equipment Used Dumbbells The dumbbell, a type of free weight, is a piece of equipment used in weight training. It can be used individually or in pairs (one for each hand). Dumbbells vary in weight from 3lbs. up to 150lbs. Exercise Instructions Step 1 Start in a push-up position while holding a dumbbell in one of your hands. Step 2 Perform a full push-up and at the top of the motion, pull the dumbbell up and across your body and press it towards the ceiling. Step 3 Lower the dumbbell back down to the floor and repeat.