Fit Factor: Make a new impression

They say you never get a second chance to make a first impression. Not exactly on the level of "Why are we here?" or even "If a tree falls in the woods ...?" for that matter, but a thought worth pondering nonetheless. But what is so important about a first impression, anyway? Why isn't the second, third, and fiftieth impression just as important? As best as I can tell, they are.

Let's say you run into someone you went to high school with years ago, and no longer are they the brace-faced, out of shape, ratty haired, pimply-faced kid you remember them being. In fact, they look incredible. While it is true that your first impression of them remains, if this hottie is suddenly giving you the time of day, chances are you'll gladly replace your first impression of them for the new one.

OK, with that said, let's pretend for a second that you're the one whose looking to make a new impression. Maybe your high school reunion is coming up and you would love to replace your former classmates' first impression of you with a new one. If a large part of this opinion-changing process involves shaping up your body, these exercises will surely help put the 'press' in the newer (and better) impression you make.


Bench Press. One of the most popular exercises in any gym. Usually when people say bench press, they mean with a barbell (whereas if they were using dumbbells, they would call it a dumbbell press). Start by holding the weight directly above your chest and then slowly lower it until it is an inch away from your chest. Hold the bar (or dumbbells) in this position for a count of one, and then slowly raise it back to the starting position. Try for 12-15 reps.

Leg Press. This plate-loaded machine is used to work the leg muscles; primarily the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes. If you're wondering what the machine looks like, it has somewhat of an inverted seat and a sled-like device that is pushed upward by the feet. Be sure to keep your feet high on the press plate throughout the exercise, as this will minimize pressure on your knees. For a video demonstration of the leg press, click here.

Military Press. Weights are lifted over the head to almost full extension and then slowly lowered in front of the head to just above the collarbone. This can be performed with either dumbbells or barbell. You can also vary this movement by lifting one arm at a time (if using dumbbells) or by bending at the knees and then driving the weight upward to perform what's known as a push press.