6 Best Exercises for Strong Shoulders

Exercises for strong shoulders can lower your risk of injury. (Image via Unsplash/ Dollar Gill)
Exercises for strong shoulders can lower your risk of injury. (Image via Unsplash/ Dollar Gill)

Shoulders are delicate parts of the body and have complicated joints that are not especially easy to target while exercising. If you put them under too much pressure before they’re ready to take the load, you may end up with injuries that will put you out of action for months.

Additionally, stronger shoulders allow you to bench press and overhead press more loads while avoiding injuries. Even though the shoulders tend to have lesser muscles than the chest and back, you still need to work on them.

Through core muscular development, which increases stability and lessens imbalances, exercise for strong shoulders can lower your risk of injury.


Exercises for Strong Shoulders Everyone Should Do

While creating your shoulder workouts, it's crucial to incorporate exercises that target each of the deltoid heads. As always, using the right weight and adopting good form is crucial for ensuring that the right muscles are worked.

Read on to find out more about some of the best exercises for strong shoulders:

1) Bent arm lateral raise

Common exercises for strong shoulders include lateral raises. Similar to a lateral raise is the bent arm version, but the difference is that the elbows are bent the entire time.

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Instructions:

  • Hold the dumbbells with the palms facing towards the body, feet spread shoulder-width apart, and abs tight.
  • To make sure your head and neck are in line with the spine, flex your elbows (to a little over 90 degrees).
  • Before simultaneously pulling both elbows out to the sides, roll your shoulders back and down.
  • Come to a complete halt once your elbows are at shoulder height and then, slowly return to the beginning position.

2) Half-kneeling landmine press

The solitary landmine presses, while half-kneeling, combine a vertical and horizontal movement, making it one of the best exercises for strong shoulders.

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Instructions:

  • Put your knee beneath your hip and your ankle under your knee as you half-kneel in front of the barbell.
  • With the hand that is closest to your back leg, hold the barbell at shoulder height while firmly grasping it.
  • At the end of the lockout, press upward at a 45-degree angle and reach upwards. Repeat as you gradually descend under control.

3) Face pull

The face pull is one of the best exercises for developing strong shoulders. It improves posture and helps in balancing shoulder musculature.

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Instructions:

  • At shoulder height, fasten the fitness band to a strong base.
  • Once you start to feel tension, grab the band's loose end and start to walk back. Arms should be straight and shoulders should be slightly forward.
  • Pull back your shoulder blades and contract as much of your upper back as you can. Hold the band in place while you pull it in close to your face.
  • Repeat for 20–25 reps, extending the arms back out and straight.

4) Reverse Pec Deck Fly

This is one of the best exercises for strong shoulders that uses a pec deck machine to target the posterior delts. It's also the ideal exercise for gaining mass in the chest, back, and shoulders.

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Instructions:

  • Face the machine and set the seat so that the handles on either side are at shoulder height.
  • Palms facing inward, grasp the handles.
  • Push through completely while tightening your torso and spreading your arms to the side.
  • Return to the starting place carefully.
  • Repeat the steps for a few times.

5) Barbell overhead shoulder press

A barbell overhead shoulder press is one of the finest exercises for strong shoulders that works the majority of your body in addition to your shoulders.

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Instructions:

  • Place your feet shoulder width apart, contract your glutes and midsection, and hold a barbell at your shoulders with your palms facing forward.
  • At the apex, squeeze your shoulder blades together as you raise the bar.
  • Carefully and steadily lower the barbell to initial position.

6) Front raise

For this shoulder exercise that concentrates on the anterior delts, you can use a weight plate or barbell. Regardless of the equipment you choose, get ready for one of the best exercises for strong shoulders.

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Instructions:

  • Holding the weight in front of you, maintain your hands at hip height.
  • Your shoulders should be level with your feet, and your abdominal muscles should be taut.
  • Next, pull in your shoulder blades, and bring the weight up to your shoulders while maintaining a straight arm position.
  • Hold your breath as you slowly drop the weight.
  • Repeat.

Wrapping Up

Almost everything you do, both inside and outside of the gym, involves your shoulders. Therefore, it is critical that they look and operate well. Building strong shoulders that look excellent in short sleeves will be facilitated by performing these exercises for strong shoulders.

Edited by Susrita Das
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