Shaped By Faith – Dumbbell Wood Chop

I am going to give you a simple exercise that you can do just about anywhere, anytime. I will keep it simple, but yet challenging for every level of fitness from the beginner to the athlete.

Remember to always warm up before doing any exercise. Also, keep your belly scooped, or navel to the spine (stomach in). You can march in place, move side to side, do some alternating knee lifts, Jumping Jacks, Jog in place, squats or lunges, bounce on a stability ball (one of my favorite things to do)
Also pay attention to your posture and be mindful of what you are doing! Keep your mind on your muscles!

The Wood Chop is one of my favorite standing Core exercises. You can use just about any kind of prop to perform it. Today we are going to use a 5 pound dumbbell, but you could also use a; medicine ball, kettle bell, weighted bar, stretch band or even a water bottle.
This exercise is great for strengthening the Core & Shoulders.

Stand with feet hip-width apart, both hands gripping 1 dumbbell in front of thighs. Lower into a squat, bending knees. Twist torso to right, drawing dumbbell across body and next to right knee.

Keeping abs tight, twist torso to left to bring dumbbell up and across body, extending arms at shoulder height. Slowly return to starting position. Complete 16 reps. Repeat on

opposite side. Continue repeating for 3 sets on each side.

•    If you are first starting an exercise program, please only do 8-12 repetitions and only 2 sets on each side.

Here is an encouraging scripture you can meditate on while doing the Dumbbell Chop.
Joshua 1:9.."Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

Check out the video example!!