Sunday, May 31, 2009

Strengthening Your Shoulders

We tend to use the shoulders way more than we think we do. Strengthening them will help prevent painful injuries. If you haven't been doing any type of exercises for the shoulders, start out slowly. Use light weights like a small can of vegetables or a water bottle. Go through the complete range of motion of the shoulder. If it begins to hurt - STOP. Do not press through the pain.

Exercises that strengthen the shoulders include push-ups, internal and external rotations, and lateral rises. When you exercise, do about 12 repetitions then rest for one minute. Do 10 repetitions and rest for one minute. Do 8 repetitions and rest for one minute. Do 6 repetitions and rest for one minute. Then do 24 repetitions and rest for two minutes before going to the next exercise.

You only need to do these exercises 2-3 times a week. Always give yourself a day of rest in between your exercise days.

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