Fraud Blocker
January 13, 2025
Author: Shelby
  • Home
  • /
  • Blog
  • /
  • *Star Exercise of the Week*: A Great Way to Improve Overhead Lifting

Often-times with shoulder pain, you may have a lot of trouble lifting objects overhead. Maybe your range of motion and flexibility is just fine, but your strength for this activity could use some help.

 

Front raises are a great way to improve these weak muscles!

 

While you can absolutely practice front raises with free weights or dumbbells, we’ll be practicing with a resistance band. More specifically, we’ll be practicing with our FitRanger.

 

Once you’ve chosen your resistance band, you can get started! It’s never a bad idea to begin with a lighter level of resistance, then gradually increase the intensity. This is to avoid any potential strain on the shoulder.

 

This exercise is going to target the muscles involved with flexing the shoulder, which are needed to raise the arm directly overhead, especially with a weighted object. These muscles include the following:

  • Anterior deltoid

  • Biceps (shoulder attachment)

  • Coracobrachialis

  • A portion of the pectoralis major

 

Let’s get to it!

 

Step 1: Starting Position:

  • Hold the handles of the FitRanger in each hand.

  • Stand on the center of the resistance band with the feet about hip width apart.

  • Position yourself so that the palms are facing back, and the arms are straight by your side.

  • Make sure to keep an open, upright posture.

 

Step 2: Front Raises:

  • While keeping the elbows straight, slowly raise the arms directly forward.

  • Raise the arms no higher than shoulder height.

  • Once you have reached the top of the motion, slowly lower the arms back down to your starting position.

  • Repeat 10-15 repetitions for 2-3 sets.

 

Not too bad, right??

 

Take a look at the following video for a closer look at this exercise:

FitRanger Front Raises.mp4

 

If you begin to experience any pain while practicing this, try to modify the range you’re moving in and even lowering the level of resistance. If that resolves any pain or discomfort, then great; if not, you may want to hold on this exercise and wait to resume until after you’ve discussed it further with your doctor or a rehab specialist.

Shoulder Rehab Tools

We Know Shoulders.

Reduce or eliminate your shoulder pain in as little as 3 days...even if you've tried everything else and failed!


Whether you are pre- or post-op, the proven "shoulder pulley" method is the most affordable thing you can try to fix your shoulder. 

About the Author Shelby

Shelby Green is a Florida-licensed Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), currently practicing at St. Anthony’s Resource Center Outpatient Rehabilitation in St. Petersburg, FL. Shelby received her Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of South Florida, followed by her DPT from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences. Shelby has 6 years clinical experience practicing in both the acute care and outpatient rehab settings. Specialties include orthopedics, with additional training in specific manual therapy techniques for pain management, as well as extensive training as a Certified Lymphedema Therapist.

Shelby is a Tampa, FL native, which is where she and her husband currently reside. Their favorite activities include spending time with family and anything outdoors, such as walking, bike riding, and going to the beach.

Medical Disclaimer

This website is intended to provide educational information only and should not be taken as medical advice. The information shared on this website is based on research, but is not intended to replace the advice of a healthcare professional. We recommend that you consult your healthcare provider for any specific questions or concerns you may have. The website does not accept responsibility for any harm that may occur from using the information given on this site. Speak to your medical provider about any health issues!

Have comments? Fire away...

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked

{"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}
Processing...