Work Your Mind – Work Your Shoulders
Military Inspired Shoulder Workout
Ryan comes from a Military family so he incorporates a lot of Military inspired exercises into his personal workouts; this shoulder exercise is one of them. Ryan was excited to share it because the arm circles look so simple, but looks are truly deceiving – when performed correctly these arm circles are an advanced, effective shoulder workout. They not only increase shoulder flexibility and mobility and help to improve your posture but in true Military fashion are mentally challenging as well because of the focus it takes to maintain and hold the correct form and alignment throughout the exercise. The key is to avoid shrugging your shoulders and to keep your chest lifted and shoulder blades pulled back and down. Start with 5 to 10 circles in each direction and in each position.
Do it Right:
- Start in a neutral standing position, feet hips distance apart, abdominals contracted, chest lifted and shoulder blades pulled back and down.
- Lift arms to shoulder height while maintaining the neutral position – perform small forward circles then small backward circles
- Without dropping your arms and maintaining the neutral alignment move arms forward – perform small circles inward and then outward
- Without dropping your arms and maintaining the neutral alignment lift arms overheard – perform small circles inward and then outward
Demonstrated by: Ryan Meade, Extreme Athlete
WARNING: You must consult your physician before you begin this or any other exercise program
