Question:
When I look at my upper body, I’m pretty satisfied. But I don’t like my shoulders. What are the best shoulder exercises that will make them look wider from the front? (Doug, Queens Village)
Answer:
The best exercises I have found for adding width and depth to shoulders are military barbell presses, dumbbell presses, side and front raises. The technique includes: pressing movements that are pressed overhead and slightly forward, slow and controlled, keeping elbows under the weight, exhaling on the up-phase. Lateral and front raises are done with dumbbells; direction is obvious, brought up to shoulder height and brought down slowly and controlled. Execution is important along with maintaining core stability.
Tip: It is important to keep in mind that shoulders are a delicate joint, so movement should be controlled throughout to avoid injuries. Don’t go too heavy, too fast! When a shoulder is injured, as in a torn rotator cuff, it takes a very long time to heal and restricts your upper body movements.
Listen to Frank Mikulka’s Weekly Fitness Tips every week on Debbie Mandel’s Turn On Your Inner Light Show every Tuesday evening from 7:00 to 7:30 pm on WGBB 1240AM. Also available on www.turnonyourinnerlight.com/page3.html
