When it comes to building a well-rounded physique, strong shoulders are a must. Not only do they give your upper body a powerful appearance, but they also play a vital role in upper body strength and mobility. In this article, we will take a look at the eight best exercises to build shoulders.
8 Best Exercises to Build Shoulders
- Barbell Overhead Press: The barbell overhead press is a classic exercise that targets the entire shoulder region, including the front, side, and rear deltoids. It also engages the triceps and upper back muscles. To perform this exercise, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, grip the bar with your hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart, and press the bar overhead until your arms are fully extended. Lower the bar to your shoulders and repeat.
- Dumbbell Shoulder Press: Similar to the barbell overhead press, the dumbbell shoulder press targets the entire shoulder region while also engaging the triceps and upper back muscles. To perform this exercise, sit on a bench with dumbbells in each hand at shoulder height. Press the dumbbells overhead until your arms are fully extended, then lower them back to your shoulders and repeat.
- Arnold Press: Named after bodybuilding legend Arnold Schwarzenegger, the Arnold Press is a variation of the dumbbell shoulder press that targets the front and side deltoids. To perform this exercise, start with the dumbbells in front of your shoulders with your palms facing you. Press the dumbbells overhead and rotate them outward as you extend your arms, then rotate them back inward as you lower them to your shoulders.
- Upright Row: The upright row is a compound exercise that targets the side deltoids and upper back muscles. To perform this exercise, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and grip a barbell with your hands slightly closer than shoulder-width apart. Pull the barbell up towards your chin, keeping it close to your body, then lower it back down and repeat.
- Lateral Raise: The lateral raise is a targeted exercise that focuses on the side deltoids. To perform this exercise, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and hold dumbbells in each hand. Raise the dumbbells out to your sides until your arms are parallel to the ground, then lower them back down and repeat.
- Front Raise: The front raise is another targeted exercise that focuses on the front deltoids. To perform this exercise, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and hold dumbbells in each hand. Raise the dumbbells in front of you until your arms are parallel to the ground, then lower them back down and repeat.
- Reverse Fly: The reverse fly targets the rear deltoids and upper back muscles. To perform this exercise, lie face down on an incline bench with dumbbells in each hand. Raise the dumbbells out to your sides, squeezing your shoulder blades together, then lower them back down and repeat.
- Push-Up: While not traditionally thought of as a shoulder exercise, the push-up engages the entire upper body, including the shoulders. To perform this exercise, start in a plank position with your hands shoulder-width apart. Lower your body to the ground, keeping your elbows close to your sides, then push back up and repeat.
Final Words!!
There you have it, eight of the best exercises to build shoulders. By incorporating these exercises into your workout routine, you can strengthen and develop your shoulders, giving you a more powerful and aesthetically pleasing upper body. Remember to always use proper form and technique to get an accurate result from exercises.