Performing arm raises to the side will help to increase the strength of the front and sides of your shoulders (anterior and medial deltoids).
For anyone who has shoulder pain, or who is recovering from surgery or an injury, a rehabilitation program is essential to restore flexibility and strength.
Arm raises to the side is an excellent exercise, and can be performed in a variety of ways. We'll detail the basics of the exercise, then talk about the variations.
The exercise begins with your arms at the side of your body. With arms slightly bent, raise your arms sideways to shoulder height. Pause, then slowly lower back to starting position. Do three sets of ten repetitions.
The are two main areas for varying this exercise:
Body position: This exercise can be done standing, or sitting on a chair, a gym bench, even a stability ball.
Resistance: At first you may not need any resistance when you do this exercise, but over time you can add in a pair of dumbbells, cable weights, or resistance bands.
Performed regularly, this will strengthen your shoulders, improving function and reducing pain.
