Weight Lifting Exercises – Shoulders
The shoulder muscles have been known for centuries as being the icon of strength; from ancient Greek wrestlers to bodybuilders today. The shoulders are where you get noticed. There is a common theme amongst bodybuilders today and in Western society that the chest is developed much more than the shoulders. I personally don’t think that’s a great look. I mean, who want to have big boobs if you’re a man anyway!
In fact, you should consider that you work the shoulders in order to have a well proportioned look to your upper body.
Increase the amount of exercises that you do for your shoulders to help your look be more proportioned and well balanced. The bench press is one exercise that will work on the shoulders and the chest in the same exercise, but it is primarily a chest exercise and should not be the only exercise that you do for this area. You will have to find exercises that are devoted to the work of the shoulder muscles.
The military press is one that can increase the strength and appearance of the shoulders. It is also known as the behind the neck press in some cases. It is a very all encompassing exercise that will use all of the muscles in the shoulder area to increase the size and strength of your shoulders. The method is the same that you will use for other press type exercises. It is possible to use a bar or a dumbbell according to your preference. It is not recommended that you use a smith machine because of the potential to cause injury and the lack of a full range of motion.
How it works:
1. Take a seat on your favorite bench
2. Position the dumbbells to each side of your shoulders with your elbows below your wrists. (If you’re using a bar, place bar behind your back and rest on the nape of your neck)
3. Push the weight up and away from your shoulders, but use care that you do not lock the elbows.
4. Lower the weight and then repeat the exercise.
The military press is not a difficult exercise to perform and should give you an increase in strength as well as the appearance of your muscles. When you use other exercises as well, you will have a well proportioned upper body. Having a well balanced group of exercises for your upper body is a great way to get the best results from your workout.
Use these tips for an even better workout of your shoulders.
The military press can be done standing up. Try starting off by lifting the weight off the floor in a smooth motion and bring it up to your shoulders. From there you will perform the exercise and then bring the weights back to the floor. This will give you a great upper body and shoulder workout. Try to cycle the exercises in your upper body workout in eight week cycles. By the time you get around to the military press again, you will find that you have increased the size and strength of your shoulder muscles dramatically.
By the time you have returned to the shoulder press after your cycle, your upper body will be well muscled and strong. This will help you to perform the exercises with even greater strength on the next round of cycles.
Filed under: Training