One of the critical keys to getting strong, toned shoulders (same goes for all body zones and muscle groups) is to NOT injure them with the wrong exercises.
I know that sounds like common sense BUT the truth is there are SO MANY people hurting themselves right now as you read this…
Yes, there are countless people exercising around the world, right this very second who are doing exercises that commonly cause injuries.
I’ll talk more about that in a future post, video or podcast episode because it is a BIG problem.
Crazy thing is a LOT of “fitness pros”, “social media gurus/influencers” and “personal trainers” are unaware that a lot of these risky exercises are not necessary and that there are better ones that can take the place of the recycled, monkey see – monkey do, copy-cat exercises that flood the mass media and social media channels…
The rotator cuff is a very sensitive and vulnerable joint of the body. So we shouldn’t be throwing weights around (using momentum) and performing repetitive, jerky, fast movements that put the joint structures at risk.
For now, I share with you:
3 Bad Shoulder Exercises to Avoid and 4 AWESOME Shoulder Exercises for “Toned” & Strong Shoulders
To summarize – these are the 3 shoulder exercises to AVOID (there are more, but I’ll save those for a future video)
1 – Common Standing Lateral Raises
2 – Common Seated Rear-Deltoid Raises
3 – Upright Rows
And these are the 4 Shoulder Exercises I Recommend (there are more – but I’ll share those in a future video)
1 – Bodyweight Shoulder Press (advanced, intermediate, beginner)
2 – Single-side, Controlled Lateral Raise, 90-degree Elbow, with Pause at Top
3 – Single-side, Controlled Half-Circle Draw
4 – Stagger Stance Single-side, Controlled Rear-Deltoid Raise, with Pause at Top
If you found this video helpful, please share it with your friends, family or co-workers so they can learn “how to do it right” and avoid unnecessary injuries and set-backs… Just use the colorful share buttons below…
And, as always, if you have any thoughts, comments or questions – please post below in the comment box. You know I love hearing from you!
Your trainer for LIFE
Joey Atlas
Been lifting weights and actively involved in fitness for 25 years and have been following you for past few years. I’m learning all of the mistakes others taught me by listening to you! I am happy you’re sharing both the exercises to avoid because they’re dangerous and showing us the more effective and safe alternatives! I wish I had room in my house for your equipment but am trying to alter the moves for home and the gym. I first started following your Symulast approach body weight exercises and still incorporate into my overall fitness regimen. Thanks for everything! You’re an inspiration.
Danyelle – THANK YOU!! …for being here, paying attention and taking proper action. It keeps me going knowing I’m helping people like you. Please spread the word however you can.. More to come! 🙂
BEST
~Joey
Just yesterday I was telling my son how one of those bad shoulder exercises you mention would really hurt my neck so I was avoiding it. Thank you Joey for educating us on proper exercises. You certainly are the best!
Aww – thank you, Apolline!! I appreciate you and I’m glad these videos help you. PLEASE share them wherever and whenever you are able too.
Keep at it!
~Joey
I wish I knew this when I did crossfit a few years ago! I had to go for shoulder surgery and had to stop so many hobbies because of it.
Thank you, I will share this with as many people as possible.
Sorry to hear this, Anneli!! It happens a LOT!! Every day! Sad but true…
I hope you’ve healed and are following a good fitness training program now. Please let me know how things are going and if you need my help.
BEST
~Joey
Talk about timing! I am currently doing PT for shoulder dyskinesia. Once I am finished, I want to slowly implement these moves into my upper body routine. Somewhere in my library, I have some exercise books that actually show those no-no moves. Thank you so much for this video and for including moves to avoid.
Keep me posted on how you do with these exercises, Shelly!
Oh – yes – sad thing is there are MANY books and videos with a LOT of these harmful and risky exercises.
I’ll be sharing more soon.. Please spread the word by sharing these posts and youtube videos 🙂
BEST
~Joey
Thank you, Joey! It’s great to experience progress without pain. I’ve saved this session so I can incorporate these good exercises on my chest/back workout days. I will definitely share this session with friends.
Ahhhhh – Janet!! Love your “do it” attitude and way of living! Don’t forget to send those new photos of the SCULPTAFIT Home-Gym set-up at your house! 🙂
Hugs to you
~Joey
I just wanted to thank you for all of your helpful videos. I’m hoping this will help out in my future shoulder workouts.
You’re very welcome, Christina – please do share them with others and keep me posted on your progress.
~Joey 🙂