

For each exercise, perform three sets of the indicated number of reps, resting as needed between sets. Time: 25 minutes | Equipment: Dumbbells, resistance band | Good for: Shoulders

The following shoulder exercises are perfect for gym or at-home shoulder workouts. Bodyweight and mobility exercises are also excellent for targeting shoulders.) Your shoulder muscles are delicate, so consider it A-okay to start with light weights (like, 3 or 5 pounds) and resistance bands. Since most upper-body movements involve your shoulders in some way or another, you only need to do one exclusive shoulders workout per week. rotator cuff (the muscles that help keep your arm bone in your shoulder socket).lats (the large muscles that run from your spine to your armpit).traps (the muscles that run from your neck and spine to your shoulder blade).deltoids (the three muscles that cover the outside of your shoulder).To reap the biggest benefits (ahem, Jennifer Aniston upper-body vibes), you want to work all of the different muscles around your shoulder joint, including your: He specializes in posture.ĭoing shoulder press after shoulder press won't cut it, though. Meet the expert: Geoff Rose, CPT, is a strength coach and founder of Rep Athletics. Play icon The triangle icon that indicates to play Training yourself to pull them back into proper position (read: shoulders that can relax back and down) can help undo that. Let's say you spend long hours sitting, hunched over your computer or phone-your shoulders have likely adapted by rounding forward. Plus, strengthening your shoulders does wonders for your posture. "If those muscles aren’t working in unison-one is tighter or stronger than the other-it can lead to shoulder pain and even injury.” (Might I also suggest a neck massager for some shoulder TLC?) “The muscles around our shoulder blade have a profound effect on how our shoulder moves," says Geoff Rose, CPT. Strong shoulders also help stabilize the notoriously unstable shoulder joint. The shoulder muscles are responsible for a lot of crucial movements, including keeping your posture perfect, flowing through yoga poses, lifting heavy (or light), and more. Are super strong arms like Michelle Obama, Natalie Portman, or Brie Larson on your goal list this year? Don't jump to biceps and triceps moves, it all starts with the shoulders.
