Fit Tip Thursday: Four Exercises for Strong Shoulders

The shoulder is our most mobile joint and also the one that is the most susceptible to injury. The two concepts are connected: greater freedom of movement means increased instability. Shoulder rotator cuff injuries are extremely common, and an example of how this freedom of movement and related instability can lead to problems.

It is imperative, therefore, that the muscles that stabilize our shoulder joints be as strong as possible. Just like with our knees and lower backs, two other areas where people commonly experience pain due to weaknesses - the more we strengthen these areas through strength training, the less likely we are to experience pain and discomfort.

Here are four simple exercises you can do at home with weights to help keep your shoulders healthy, strong, and injury-free:

I like to refer to it as “bulletproofing our bodies.” These are simple exercises that, if we do them consistently, will truly change the way we feel each and every day. And the paradigm has changed as well: Research has shown that it is not necessary to do it all in one long workout - we can “bulletproof our bodies” through short “mini-workouts” done throughout the day.

Did you find this video helpful? Watch more Fit Tip Thursdays for great tips to help enhance your workouts.