Emphasis
The primary muscles stressed in this movement are the shoulder muscles (medial deltoid). The secondary muscle stressed is the trapezius.
Starting Position
Grab a dumbbell in your right hand. Lay on your left side on an incline bench set at 55 degrees with your armpit over the top of the bench. Lean against the bench if you are too short to get your armpit over the top of the bench comfortably. Extend your right arm in front of and close to your body with your palm facing the floor. Keep your elbow slightly bent.
Movement
Keeping a slight bend in your elbow, raise the dumbbell out from your side until your elbow is in line with your shoulder. Take two to three seconds to lower the dumbbell down to the extended position. Complete all repetitions on one side before repeating on the left side.
Training Tips
- Be sure to lead with your elbow to help isolate the medial deltoid.
Warning Tips
- Do not shrug your shoulder when raising the dumbbell. Failure to do so can result in injury to your shoulder, trapezius and neck.
- Do not lower the dumbbell any faster than two to three seconds. You must be in control at all times during this movement. The faster you perform this movement, the less control you will have, which in turn will increase your risk of injury.
Robert Bovee Certified Master PPT, RTS, ETS, FTS
As one of the most successful Professional Personal Trainers and Exercise/Fitness Therapists in the United States, Robert continues to remain at the forefront of the industry by providing his clients with a thorough education and the tools to implement that education. By improving his client’s physical health, strength, endurance, cardiovascular fitness and nutritional habits, he is able to motivate them to lead longer, happier and more productive lives. Find out more about Robert and his personal training career and services, here.
Guest authors offer experience and educational insights based on their specific area of expertise. These authors are contributing writers for the NFPT blog because they have valuable information to share with NFPT-CPTs and the fitness community at-large. If you are interested in contributing to the NFPT blog as a guest, please send us a note expressing your interest and tell us how you can contribute valuable insights to our readers. We look forward to hearing from you! Send to editor@nfpt.com
