10 Best Shoulder Exercises for Stronger Shoulders
Introduction
Shoulder exercises are an essential part of any workout routine. Strong shoulders not only improve your overall physique but also enhance your athletic performance and reduce the risk of injuries. In this article, we will explore the 10 best shoulder exercises that you can include in your workout routine.
1. Dumbbell Shoulder Press
Target Muscle: Deltoids
How to do it: Hold a dumbbell in each hand at shoulder height, with your palms facing forward. Press the dumbbells upwards, extending your arms fully. Lower the dumbbells back to the starting position and repeat.
2. Lateral Raises
Target Muscle: Deltoids
How to do it: Hold a dumbbell in each hand at your sides, with your palms facing your thighs. Raise the dumbbells out to the sides until they are at shoulder height. Lower the dumbbells back to the starting position and repeat.
3. Front Raises
Target Muscle: Anterior Deltoids
How to do it: Hold a dumbbell in each hand in front of your thighs, with your palms facing forward. Raise the dumbbells forward and upwards until they are at shoulder height. Lower the dumbbells back to the starting position and repeat.
4. Reverse Fly
Target Muscle: Rhomboids, Trapezius
How to do it: Hold a dumbbell in each hand, with your arms extended to the sides. Bend your elbows slightly and lift the dumbbells out to the sides, keeping your arms straight. Lower the dumbbells back to the starting position and repeat.
5. Arnold Press
Target Muscle: Deltoids
How to do it: Hold a dumbbell in each hand at shoulder height, with your palms facing forward. Press the dumbbells upwards, rotating your wrists so that your palms face backwards at the top of the movement. Lower the dumbbells back to the starting position and repeat.
6. Upright Row
Target Muscle: Trapezius, Rhomboids
How to do it: Hold a dumbbell in each hand, with your arms extended in front of you. Lift the dumbbells up and out to the sides, keeping your elbows close to your body. Lower the dumbbells back to the starting position and repeat.
7. Rear Delt Fly
Target Muscle: Posterior Deltoids
How to do it: Hold a dumbbell in each hand, with your arms extended to the sides. Bend your elbows slightly and lift the dumbbells out to the sides, keeping your arms straight. Lower the dumbbells back to the starting position and repeat.
8. Cable Lateral Raises
Target Muscle: Deltoids
How to do it: Stand facing a cable machine with the cable at shoulder height. Hold a handle in each hand, with your arms extended to the sides. Raise the handle out to the sides until they are at shoulder height. Lower the handle back to the starting position and repeat.
9. Push Press
Target Muscle: Deltoids, Trapezius
How to do it: Hold a dumbbell in each hand at shoulder height, with your palms facing forward. Dip your knees slightly and then explosively push the dumbbells upwards, extending your arms fully. Lower the dumbbells back to the starting position and repeat.
10. Face Pulls
Target Muscle: Trapezius, Rhomboids
How to do it: Hold a rope attachment or a resistance band in both hands, with your arms extended in front of you. Pull the rope or band back towards your face, keeping your elbows close to your body. Lower the rope or band back to the starting position and repeat.
Conclusion
Incorporating these 10 best shoulder exercises into your workout routine will help you build stronger, broader shoulders. Remember to always warm up before starting your workout and to start with lighter weights to avoid injury. Happy lifting!
