When it comes time to hit a workout, be it shoulders, chest or back the majority of guys might do one or two light sets as a 'warm up' before lifting the big numbers...
You can only get away with doing this for so long, I speak from experience.
Rotator cuff issues are far too common in the gym... how many guys have you heard complaining of pain or a pinching feeling when they're performing exercises such as the shoulder press or lateral raise?
Treat your rotator cuffs well and they'll treat you well...
"SJ, do we have to add in another workout to target our rotator cuffs with internal rotation and external rotation exercises?"
Not at all.
I've found hitting your rotator cuffs a few times a week (during your warm up) to sufficiently strengthen my rotator cuffs and prevent any further niggling issues.
The #1 Culprit Of Rotator Cuff Issues
Ask 99% of gym bros what their favorite exercise is and I guarantee you they'll say the barbell bench press or a variation of it.
The bench press is great for adding strength and size to the chest and triceps as we're able to lift a significant amount of weight with this pressing movement... but there's a catch...
The bench press when performed with good form places immense stress on the rotator cuffs.
The bench press when performed with poor form is a recipe for rotator cuff disaster!
Now, there's no need to skip the bench press as it is a fantastic fundamental exercise but there are a few adjustments to make if you are experiencing niggling shoulder issues:
- Temporarily lower the volume of your pressing movements
- Work on tennis ball self massage around your deltoid, lats, traps and chest
- Implement these internal rotation exercises listed below
4 Internal Rotation Exercises You MUST Perform
When it comes to rotator cuff injuries issues such as impingement require a combination of time, strengthening exercises, stretching & trigger point therapy to the surrounding muscle groups do the trick.
Perform the following 3 exercises twice per week.
Do not lift heavy, you should be able to comfortably perform 3 sets of 15 repetitions per exercise.
Lifting too heavy and being too enthusiastic with your internal rotation exercises is a surefire way to cause damage.
#1 - Standing internal Dumbbell Rotations
Movement: Isolation
Required: Dumbbells
Standing internal Dumbbell Rotations Form
Hold a dumbbell or cable handle attachment in one hand with the elbow of that particular arm creating a 90 degree angle between your upper arm and your forearm.
Your forearm should be parallel to the floor and your elbow should be tucked against your side.
internally rotate your forearm while exhaling, ensuring it maintains a parallel to floor position.
Hold the contracted position before rotating externally to return to the starting position.
Repeat for 3 sets of 12 - 15 repetitions per arm.
#2 - Isometric Internal Rotations
Movement: Isolation
Required: Door frame
Isometric Internal Rotations Form
Stand with side to wall.
Bend elbow to 90-degree angle. Keep elbow close to body.
Press back of hand into wall for 10 seconds.
Repeat for 3 sets of 12 - 15 repetitions per arm.
#3 - Resistance Band Internal Rotations
Movement: Isolation
Required: Resistance Band
Resistance Band Internal Rotations Form
Attach a resistance band to a doorknob or pole while grasping the other end of the band in one hand.
Ensure the elbow of the particular arm grasping the band creates a 90 degree angle between your upper arm and your forearm.
Your forearm should be parallel to the floor and your elbow should be tucked against your side.
internally rotate your forearm while exhaling, ensuring it maintains a parallel to floor position.
Hold the contracted position before rotating externally to return to the starting position.
Repeat for 3 sets of 12 - 15 repetitions per arm.
#4 - Shoulder Dislocations
Movement: Isolation
Required: Wooden Pole or Resistance Band
Shoulder Dislocations Form
Grasp the pole or resistance band with a wide grip (the more you practise these and the more flexible your shoulders become the narrower grip you’ll be able to utilize).
For the duration of the exercise squeeze your back muscle and shoulder blades together, maintain a relaxed chest.
Keeping your arms as straight as possible lift above your head until the pole/band touches your lower back.
Bring the pole/band overhead once again and return it to the starting position (touching your thighs) while maintaining straight arms.