Gym Upper-Body 1.4 | Adapt to Perform
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Gym Upper-Body 1.4

Session overview

Welcome to the Gym Upper-Body 1.4 session, specially designed for wheelchair users seeking an invigorating upper-body workout! This workout takes place with a range of dumbbells and machines, ensuring a dynamic and effective exercise routine. Participants will embark on a series of targeted exercises aimed at enhancing upper-body strength. From seated dumbbell presses and cable rows to modified chest presses and triceps extensions, each exercise is tailored to accommodate various mobility levels while promoting proper form and technique. This session focuses on physical gains but making it an ideal choice for wheelchair users looking to embark on their fitness journey.

Session details
Whiteboard
Resistance
Upper Body
Total time of workout
60 minutes
Equipment
Intensity:
Easy
Medium
Hard
00:00:00
1. Band External Rotation Left
Reps: 3 x 15 3 x 15 3 x 15
Exercise 1

Band External Rotation Left

Reps
3 x 15
3 x 15
3 x 15
Description

First, securely attach a band to something that won’t move or break. Be sure to attach it at waist height.

You should position yourself perpendicular from the anchor point with it on your right side and grab the band in your left hand. Bring your elbow in a bent position tucked up to your side and your hand at the same height but rotated inward. Make sure you are far enough away that there is no slack in this position.

This is the starting position.

From here rotate only at the shoulder so the hand comes from an internal rotation to an externally rotated position whilst keeping the elbow tucked in at the side. This is one repetition, now repeat this for the desired amount. Once you’ve done all the reps on one arm, if required in the program and you are able to do so, repeat the exercise and the repetitions with the other arm.

If you have limited gripping ability try using the Active Hands D-Ring Aids and a Carabiner to make this exercise as safe as possible.

Tips

Avoid jutting your head forward or arching your back as the arm moves.
Use the half-kneeling variation of this exercise if you are still having trouble keeping your spine neutral.
To determine which grip feels the greatest on your shoulder, try supinated (palms up), pronated (palms down), and neutral (palms facing).

2. Band External Rotation Right
Reps: 3 x 15 3 x 15 3 x 15
Exercise 2

Band External Rotation Right

Reps
3 x 15
3 x 15
3 x 15
Description

First, securely attach a band to something that won’t move or break. Be sure to attach it at waist height.

You should position yourself perpendicular from the anchor point with it on your left side and grab the band in your right hand. Bring your elbow in a bent position tucked up to your side and your hand at the same height but rotated outward. Make sure you are far enough away that there is no slack in this position.

This is the starting position.

From here rotate only at the shoulder so the hand comes from an internal rotation to an externally rotated position whilst keeping the elbow tucked in at the side. This is one repetition, now repeat this for the desired amount. Once you’ve done all the reps on one arm, if required in the program and you are able to do so, repeat the exercise and the repetitions with the other arm.

If you have limited gripping ability try using the Active Hands D-Ring Aids and a Carabiner to make this exercise as safe as possible.

3. Cable Lat Pulldown
Reps: 4 x 8 4 x 8 4 x 8
Exercise 3

Cable Lat Pulldown

Reps
4 x 8
4 x 8
4 x 8
Description

First, place both cable pulleys high enough so the handles can be reached at full stretch, then grab the handles in each hand with the palms facing forwards and position yourself in the middle of the pulleys.

This is the starting position.

From here pull by bending your elbows down and out to the side until they are by your side or as far as you can. After this, slowly return the arms to the starting position. This is one repetition, now repeat this for the desired amount.

If you have limited gripping ability try using the Active Hands Gripping aids or D-Ring Aids clipped straight into the carabiner to make this exercise as safe as possible.

4. Machine Chest Press
Reps: 4 x 8 4 x 8 4 x 8
Exercise 4

Machine Chest Press

Reps
4 x 8
4 x 8
4 x 8
Description

Let's get started by setting up the machine by choosing the appropriate weight. Then either sit on the seat, or if the machine is usable from a wheelchair, set yourself in the correct position. Grab the handles with both hands in an overhand grip.

This is the starting position.

From here, press both hands forward until they are fully extended. Then slowly lower them back down to the starting position. This is one repetition, now repeat for the desired amount.

If you have limited gripping ability try using the Active Hands Gripping Aids to make this exercise as safe as possible.

Remember not all machines are the same and may require different usage. If unsure, look at the instructions on the machine or talk to a staff member at the gym.

5. Dumbbell Row
Reps: 4 x 8 4 x 8 4 x 8
Exercise 5

Dumbbell Row

Reps
4 x 8
4 x 8
4 x 8
Description

Let's get started by grabbing both of your dumbbells. Then hinge from the hips until your body is almost parallel to the floor and allow the arms to hang straight down from the shoulders with the palms facing inwards.

This is the starting position.

From here raise your elbows up as high as you can whilst keeping them tucked in and keeping your hands facing the floor.

Once done, return the dumbbells back down safely to the starting position. This is one repetition, now repeat this for the desired amount.

If you have limited gripping ability try using the Active Hands Gripping Aids to make this exercise as safe as possible.

6. Dumbbell Shoulder Press
Reps: 4 x 8 4 x 8 4 x 8
Exercise 6

Dumbbell Shoulder Press

Reps
4 x 8
4 x 8
4 x 8
Description

Let's get started by grabbing both your dumbbells and bringing them up to shoulder height with your arms bent and your palms facing forward.

This is the starting position.

From here extend your arms overhead until they are almost locked out, or as high as you can. Keep your palms facing forward throughout the movement.

Once done, return the dumbbells back down safely to shoulder height. This is one repetition, now repeat this for the desired amount.

If you find yourself tipping backwards as you raise your arms up, put the back of your chair against a wall to help prevent this.

If you have limited gripping ability try using the Active Hands Gripping Aids to make this exercise as safe as possible.

7. Dumbbell Bicep curl
Reps: 4 x 8 4 x 8 4 x 8
Exercise 7

Dumbbell Bicep curl

Reps
4 x 8
4 x 8
4 x 8
Description

Let's get started by grabbing a dumbbell and have it hanging by your side with your palm facing inwards towards your body.

This is the starting position.

From here curl the dumbbell up, by bending at the elbow until the arm is fully flexed or as high as you can. As you do this rotate your palm so it faces you.

Once done, return the dumbbell back down safely to your side. This is one repetition, now repeat this for the desired amount. Once you’ve done one arm, if required in the program and you are able to do so, repeat the exercise and the repetition with the other arm.

If you find yourself falling sideways it may be better to hold a dumbbell in each hand to counteract the weight.

If you have limited gripping ability try using the Active Hands Gripping Aids to make this exercise as safe as possible.

8. Dumbbell Tricep Kickback
Reps: 4 x 8 4 x 8 4 x 8
Exercise 8

Dumbbell Tricep Kickback

Reps
4 x 8
4 x 8
4 x 8
Description

Let's get started by grabbing both of your dumbbells. Then hinge from the hips until your body is almost parallel to the floor and keep your elbows tucked into your side and bent so the hands are facing the floor and the palms facing inwards.

This is the starting position.

From here raise and extend your arms behind you until they are straight.

Once done, return the dumbbells back down safely to the starting position. This is one repetition, now repeat this for the desired amount.

If you have limited gripping ability try using the Active Hands Gripping Aids to make this exercise as safe as possible.