How to Do an Upright Row with Resistance Band

Strong, well-defined shoulders not only look good, they're essential for everyday activities that involve lifting, extending, and rotating the arms. This article has several exercises designed to strengthen and tone the muscles in the shoulder and the rotator cuff. These make a great addition to your upper body workout.

For our first shoulder exercise you'll need a resistance band, which you can purchase at most sporting goods and fitness stores.

Upright row with resistance band shoulder exercise.

Step 1
Assume start position as shown with resistance tube under the arch of your foot.

Upright row with resistance band shoulder exercise.

Step 2
Pull band up toward your collar bone, elbows pointed up toward the ceiling to form a “V” with your arms.

Upright row with resistance band shoulder exercise.

Step 3
Return to start position.

For more great exercises to improve your strength and fitness, check out:

This information is solely for informational purposes. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. Neither the Editors of Consumer Guide (R), Publications International, Ltd., the author nor publisher take responsibility for any possible consequences from any treatment, procedure, exercise, dietary modification, action or application of medication which results from reading or following the information contained in this information. The publication of this information does not constitute the practice of medicine, and this information does not replace the advice of your physician or other health care provider. Before undertaking any course of treatment, the reader must seek the advice of their physician or other health care provider.

How to Do a Shoulder Press with Resistance Band

In this variation of a shoulder press, a resistance band is used. For best results, control the band, stretching it slowly throughout the exercise.

Shoulder press with resistance band shoulder exercise.

Step 1
Assume start position as shown with resistance band under the arch of your foot, hands by your shoulders, palms facing in.

Shoulder press with resistance band shoulder exercise.

Step 2
Stretch band out as you lift your arms overhead.

For more great exercises to improve your strength and fitness, check out:

This information is solely for informational purposes. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. Neither the Editors of Consumer Guide (R), Publications International, Ltd., the author nor publisher take responsibility for any possible consequences from any treatment, procedure, exercise, dietary modification, action or application of medication which results from reading or following the information contained in this information. The publication of this information does not constitute the practice of medicine, and this information does not replace the advice of your physician or other health care provider. Before undertaking any course of treatment, the reader must seek the advice of their physician or other health care provider.

How to Do Lateral Raises on Stability Ball

Lateral raises are a popular -- and effective -- exercise for the shoulders. This variation is performed while sitting on a stability ball.

Lateral raises on stability ball shoulder exercise.

Step 1
Assume start position as shown, sitting on stability ball, hands comfortably at sides.

Lateral raises on stability ball shoulder exercise.

Step 2
Raise dumbbells at sides up to shoulder height.

Lateral raises on stability ball shoulder exercise.

Step 3
Return to start position.

For more great exercises to improve your strength and fitness, check out:

This information is solely for informational purposes. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. Neither the Editors of Consumer Guide (R), Publications International, Ltd., the author nor publisher take responsibility for any possible consequences from any treatment, procedure, exercise, dietary modification, action or application of medication which results from reading or following the information contained in this information. The publication of this information does not constitute the practice of medicine, and this information does not replace the advice of your physician or other health care provider. Before undertaking any course of treatment, the reader must seek the advice of their physician or other health care provider.

How to Do Front Shoulder Raises on Stability Ball

Try these front shoulder raises while seated on a stability ball to tone and strengthen your shoulders. Remember to raise the dumbbells just to the shoulders, not higher.

Front shoulder raises on stability ball shoulder exercise.

Step 1
Assume start position as shown, sitting on stability ball, hands comfortably at sides.

Front shoulder raises on stability ball shoulder exercise.

Step 2
Raise dumbbells to the front up to shoulder height.

Front shoulder raises on stability ball shoulder exercise.

Step 3
Return to start position.

For more great exercises to improve your strength and fitness, check out:

This information is solely for informational purposes. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. Neither the Editors of Consumer Guide (R), Publications International, Ltd., the author nor publisher take responsibility for any possible consequences from any treatment, procedure, exercise, dietary modification, action or application of medication which results from reading or following the information contained in this information. The publication of this information does not constitute the practice of medicine, and this information does not replace the advice of your physician or other health care provider. Before undertaking any course of treatment, the reader must seek the advice of their physician or other health care provider.

How to Do an Arnold Press

The Arnold press was named for the man who made it popular: Arnold Schwarzenegger. You can master this challenging shoulder exercise by carefully following these directions.

Arnold press shoulder exercise.

Step 1
Assume start position as shown with weights in hands, palms facing in.

Arnold press shoulder exercise.

Arnold press shoulder exercise.

Step 2
Start to lift weights overhead, and rotate them on the way up.

Arnold press shoulder exercise.

Step 3
End position should be palms facing out.

Arnold press shoulder exercise.

Arnold press shoulder exercise.

Step 4
To return to start position, rotate elbow as it bends in toward center of body.

For more great exercises to improve your strength and fitness, check out:

This information is solely for informational purposes. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. Neither the Editors of Consumer Guide (R), Publications International, Ltd., the author nor publisher take responsibility for any possible consequences from any treatment, procedure, exercise, dietary modification, action or application of medication which results from reading or following the information contained in this information. The publication of this information does not constitute the practice of medicine, and this information does not replace the advice of your physician or other health care provider. Before undertaking any course of treatment, the reader must seek the advice of their physician or other health care provider.

How to Do a Reverse Fly

A reverse fly is a great exercise for defining the backs of the shoulders. For this shoulder exercise, you'll need dumbbells and a stability ball.

Reverse fly shoulder exercise.

Step 1
Assume start position as shown by sitting on ball; lean your chest over your legs.

Step 2
Weights should start comfortably at the sides of your calves, palms facing back.

Reverse fly shoulder exercise.

Step 3
Bring weights out to sides up to shoulder height and squeeze shoulder blades together.

Reverse fly shoulder exercise.

Step 4
Return to start position.

For more great exercises to improve your strength and fitness, check out:

This information is solely for informational purposes. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. Neither the Editors of Consumer Guide (R), Publications International, Ltd., the author nor publisher take responsibility for any possible consequences from any treatment, procedure, exercise, dietary modification, action or application of medication which results from reading or following the information contained in this information. The publication of this information does not constitute the practice of medicine, and this information does not replace the advice of your physician or other health care provider. Before undertaking any course of treatment, the reader must seek the advice of their physician or other health care provider.

How to Do an External Rotation: Rotator Cuff Strengthener

Athletes aren't the only ones who need strong rotator cuffs. Strengthening this group of shoulder muscles can help anyone prevent shoulder stiffness and injury. An external rotation is one exercise that helps strengthen the rotator cuff.

External rotation: rotator cuff strengthener shoulder exercise.

Step 1
Assume start position as shown by attaching one side of your resistance tube to a steady bar or piece of equipment.

External rotation: rotator cuff strengthener shoulder exercise.

External rotation: rotator cuff strengthener shoulder exercise.

Step 2
While keeping upper arm still, rotate forearm away from your body.

External rotation: rotator cuff strengthener shoulder exercise.

Step 3
Return to start position.

For more great exercises to improve your strength and fitness, check out:

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Lottie Olson is a nationally certified personal trainer with 10 years of experience in fitness and personal training. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin in Oshkosh with a B.S. in Exercise Science and Fitness Management.

This information is solely for informational purposes. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. Neither the Editors of Consumer Guide (R), Publications International, Ltd., the author nor publisher take responsibility for any possible consequences from any treatment, procedure, exercise, dietary modification, action or application of medication which results from reading or following the information contained in this information. The publication of this information does not constitute the practice of medicine, and this information does not replace the advice of your physician or other health care provider. Before undertaking any course of treatment, the reader must seek the advice of their physician or other health care provider.