Wed 14th Jun 2023 < Back to News
As a bodybuilder, having well-defined shoulders is essential to achieving a balanced and aesthetically pleasing physique. Strong, wide, and thick shoulders not only improve your appearance but also enhance your overall upper body strength and performance. In this blog, we'll discuss the best shoulder exercises for bodybuilders to get the best results for width and thickness.
1. Seated Dumbbell Press: The seated dumbbell press is a great exercise that targets the entire shoulder complex, including the front, middle, and rear delts. To perform this exercise, sit on a bench with a pair of dumbbells held at shoulder height. Press the dumbbells overhead while keeping your elbows close to your body. Lower the dumbbells to the starting position and repeat for desired reps. 3 x 12/10/8
2. Standing Military Press: The standing military press is a classic exercise that is great for building shoulder mass and strength. To perform this movement, stand with a barbell at shoulder height and grip it with your hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart. Press the bar overhead until your arms are fully extended, and then lower the bar back to your shoulders. Repeat for desired reps. 3 x 12/10/8
3. Seated Arnold Press: The seated Arnold press is a variation of the dumbbell press that targets the shoulders from a different angle. This exercise works the front and middle delts and also engages the biceps and triceps. To perform this exercise, sit on a bench with a pair of dumbbells held at shoulder height. Rotate your palms to face inward and then press the dumbbells overhead while rotating your palms outward. Lower the dumbbells to the starting position and repeat for desired reps. 3 x 12/10/8
4. Bent-Over Rear Delt Raises: The bent-over rear delt raise is a great exercise for targeting the rear delts, which are often overlooked in shoulder training. To perform this movement, bend forward at the waist with a pair of dumbbells in your hands. Lift the dumbbells out to the side, keeping your elbows slightly bent, until your arms are parallel to the ground. Lower the dumbbells back to the starting position and repeat for desired reps. 3 x 12/10/8
5. Cable Lateral Raises: Cable lateral raises are a great exercise for targeting the middle delts. This exercise provides constant tension throughout the movement, which helps to stimulate muscle growth. To perform this exercise, stand facing a cable machine with the cable set at shoulder height. Hold the handle with one hand and raise your arm out to the side until it's parallel to the ground. Lower the cable back to the starting position and repeat for desired reps. 3 x 12/10/8
6. Seated lateral Dumbell raise: one of the best exercises for width and density of the medial delta. 3 x 12/10/8
Conclusion: Incorporating these five exercises into your shoulder workout routine will help you develop strong, wide, and thick shoulders that are essential for a bodybuilder. Remember to train with proper form and technique, gradually increasing the weight and intensity over time. With consistent training, dedication, and patience, you'll achieve the desired results and take your physique to the next level.
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