Front Dumbbell Raises
Description
In most cases, isolating the front of the shoulders (anterior deltoids) isn’t necessary due to the fact they’re recruited and strengthened every time a pressing movement is performed for the chest. With that being said, if rehabilitation is your goal or your anterior deltoids are stubborn and require specific isolation, then front dumbbell raises make for a great additon to your routine. Front dumbbell raises are quite similar to the lateral raise, only instead of raising your arms laterally (to the sides), you raise them straight out to the front while holding a weight.
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Execution
- Stand in an erect position with an appropriately weighted dumbbell in each hand.
- Exhale and with palm facing the ground, elevate your arm to the front, halting movement once dumbbell reaches shoulder height. It is important to keep a slight bend in the elbow throughout the movement to alleviate joint stress.
- Inhale and lower back down at a controlled speed. You want to stop the downward descent just shy of the thigh in order to keep constant resistance on the shoulder and prevent any rest the muscles will get during the set.
- Repeat until the desired number of repetitions are completed.
Front dumbbell raises can be done with both arms simultaneously until fatigue sets in. Once this happens, alternate repetitions between arms. This will give each arm a slightly longer rest period and allow a few more repetitions to be completed.
Performing front dumbbell raises with your hands in a thumb-up position rather than pointing your palms down will place slightly more stress on the anterior deltoid and draw recruitment from the biceps to hold the elbow in a slightly bent position.
Front dumbbell raises work extremely well when performed before a close grip overhead plate press in a superset. Performing the plate press immediately after the frontal raise will allow you to take the anterior deltoids to a further level of muscle fatigue.
Front Rope Raises
Description
Using the cable machine and the rope attachment to perform front raises is yet another effective way to strengthen the front of the shoulders (anterior deltoids). The notable techniques to be employed throughout execution involve limiting the range of motion. On the decent, it is important to stop prior to the hands reaching the top of the thigh. Doing so will keep the resistance on the shoulders between repetitions. Also, the trainee should also be careful not to extend the arms beyond shoulder height to reduce the risk of sustaining an injury.
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Execution
- Attach the rope to the cable attachment and slide it to the bottom of the column.
- While standing with back towards the weight stack, bend down and pull the rope up between the legs.
- Exhale and while maintaining only a slight bent at the elbows, draw the rope straight forward until the hands reach shoulder height. Briefly hold position.
- Inhale and lower the arms back down at a controlled speed until the hands are approximately 6-8 inches from the thighs.
- Repeat until the desired number of repetitions are completed.
Reverse Cable Flies
Description
While performing reverse flies, it is important to remember that the muscular recruitment can be easily manipulated by alternating the position in which the arms are drawn back. If the arms are in a position that has the elbows in alignment with the shoulders, the primary emphasis will be placed on the posterior region of the shoulder. If the elbows are positioned slightly below the shoulders upon retraction, maximal emphasis will be placed on the upper back region.
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Execution
- Place the appropriate hand grips on the cable attachments and select desired weight. The cable column should be slid upwards if using an adjustable version.
- Grasp the handle grips by bringing the right arm across the left side of the body and the left arm across the right side.
- Exhale and while maintaining only a slight bend at the elbows, draw the arms back in an arching motion until a contraction is felt within the rear shoulders/upper back region.
- Inhale and at a controlled speed, lower back to starting position.
- Repeat until the desired number of repetitions are completed.
Seated Reverse Flies
Description
Seated reverse flies are executed using the chest fly machine and they’re effective for strengthening the posterior deltoid (rear shoulder) as well as the muscles of the upper back region. Due to the reduced movement complexity compared to the dumbbell version, the seated reverse flies are an ideal option for those who are in the beginning phases of their exercise programs.
Execution
- Sit in a position that has you facing the padding on the chest fly machine. Adjust the handles and weight stack to your desired settings.
- Grasp the side handles using a grip that has your palms facing the ground.
- Exhale and while maintaining only a slight bend at the elbows, draw the arms back until your hands move just beyond your shoulders. Hold position briefly.
- Inhale and lower back down slowly stopping just shy of the starting position. Doing so will keep the stress on the posterior deltoid.
- Repeat until the desired number of repetitions are completed.