Shoulders and Chest Training Programmes
The shoulders encompass many different muscles groups all of which need to be simulated and focussed upon to ensure you have an effective and balanced workout. You should always focus on the individual muscle which you are working and maintain good technique and range rather than attempting to lift heavy weight in the first instance. As the shoulder is a highly mobile joint you must ensure you completely warm up the shoulder joint and the surrounding musculature up before loading to avoid ligamentous stress.
The Shoulder consists of:
Trapezius
Deltoids 1) anterior
2) Posterior
3) Lateral
Rotator cuffs
It is important to maintain a healthy level of muscle around the shoulder for joint protection and structural support to the joint and the ligamentous that support the joint capsule. The shoulder muscles are also essential when it comes to sporting performance in an array of disciplines from Rugby to racquet sports
The chest muscles are important anatomically to protect our frame and internal organs. From a sporting point of view it is essential to have a functional and power chest for many sports that involve a high power or performance such as rugby. When training your chest it is important to maintain a structural balance with your back in order to maintain postural condition. For Example and overdeveloped chest can lead to rounding of the shoulders and increased stress on the upper spine and neck.
The 2 main Muscles of the chest are
Pectoralis Major
Pectoralis Minor
In order to stimulate and develop the chest effectively then you should look to vary exercise and include Wider grip, Narrow grip and incline or decline positions. It is important to concentrate on technique and avoid as much as possible secondary muscle support. The Squeeze at the end of each range and slow and controlled movements will give the best overall workout.
Additional Exercises for you Chest
Cable Crossovers
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Flat Bench Press
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Flat Bench Press - Dumbbells
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Flat Dumbbell Fly
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Incline Barbell Bench Press
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Incline Dumbbell Bench Press
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Incline Flat Dumbbell Fly
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Push Ups
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Vertical Chest Press
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Additional Exercises for you Shoulders
Bent Over Raises
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Seated Shoulder Press
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Side Lateral Raises
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Standing Barbell Press
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Upright Barbell Rows
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Upright Cable Rows
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