Train Like A Pro - Shoulders

Train Like A Pro – Shoulders

If there was one muscle group that could support you with greater functionality and make you look better than ever, it would be shoulders! Shoulders are on eye catcher whether you’re a man or a woman. Men look stronger and more muscular. Women look healthy and have a more attractive shape.

Aside from being aesthetically pleasing, shoulder stability greatly enhances your upper body strength and agility. According to orthosportsmed.com, an average of 200,000 people per year require shoulder surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff. Another 400,000 people suffer injuries related to tendonitis and partial tears. Statistics also report that an upwards of 25% reinjure their shoulder, and up to 50% still suffer pain after 12 months. 

Shoulder injuries can be detrimental to your health goals. For many it’s a persistent problem that doesn’t go away easily. The best cure is prevention! Those who take the time to stretch and exercise their shoulders properly will be less prone to injury. Taking the appropriate precautions can support you for a lifetime.

Here’s a sample shoulder workout to give you an idea of what you can do to strengthen your shoulders and prevent injury. Combine a good exercise program with a good nutrition program to get even better results.

Shoulder Workout Example:

• Always take the time to stretch and warm-up your shoulders appropriately. 
• Military Press with Barbell – 3 sets x 10 reps (Practice good form, keep it slow and controlled to get the best results and prevent injury)
• Side Lateral Raises – 3 sets x 15 reps (Dumbbells will give you the best control of the weight and allow you to target the muscle specifically. Less weight, more reps to get the most out of this exercise)
• Reverse Banded Fly’s – 3 sets x 15 reps (Use a lightweight resistance band to perform. Hold it chest level out in front of you with your arms just inside shoulder width. Slowly pull apart until your arms and hands are fully extended at your sides. Slowly relax back to the starting point and repeat)
• Front Dumbbell Raises – 3 sets x 12 reps (Use a dumbbell you can control and slowly raise out in front of you. Hold the dumbbell like a hammer, keeping the weight stable without any rotation. This will support you in minimizing injury) 

You’ll want to be careful to use good form. The goal is to strengthen your shoulders and prevent injuries, not create injuries due to an ego or carelessness. Make sure to stay loose and stop if you feel any pain. 

For more information on how to strengthen your body and create optimal health, visit here. Fe sharpens iron!