Gym Upper-Body 3.4 | Adapt to Perform
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Gym Upper-Body 3.4

Session overview

Welcome to the Gym Upper-Body 3.4 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. Band Straight Arm Pulldown
Reps: 4 x 8 4 x 8 4 x 8
Exercise 3

Band Straight Arm Pulldown

Reps
4 x 8
4 x 8
4 x 8
Description

First, grab one end of a band in one hand, wrap it around something that won’t move or break and grab the other end in the other hand. Be sure to attach it above head height.

You should position yourself facing toward the anchor point and with your hands straight up and in front of you pointing at the anchor. Make sure you are far enough away that there is no slack in this position.

This is the starting position.

First, pull your shoulders back then with a straight arm pull the band down to the side of your body. Then return the arms back to their original position. This is one repetition, now repeat this for the desired amount.

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.

4. Cable Chest Fly
Reps: 4 x 8 4 x 8 4 x 8
Exercise 4

Cable Chest Fly

Reps
4 x 8
4 x 8
4 x 8
Description

First, place both cable pulleys at chest height, then grab the handles in each hand and position yourself facing away from and in the middle of the pulleys. Move slightly forwards, then have your arms out at shoulder height with a slight bend in your elbow.

This is the starting position.

From here, pull your hands together until the hands touch 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.

5. Cable Decline Wide Row
Reps: 4 x 8 4 x 8 4 x 8
Exercise 5

Cable Decline Wide Row

Reps
4 x 8
4 x 8
4 x 8
Description

First, place both cable pulleys above head height, then grab the handles in each hand with your arms straight in front of you and position yourself in the middle of the pulleys.

This is the starting position.

From here, pull your arms up and back by bending at the elbows until they are by your side or as far as you can. As you do so keep them elevated at chest height throughout. 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.

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

Machine Shoulder 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 up 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.

7. Dumbbell Bicep Curl To Overhead Press
Reps: 4 x 8 4 x 8 4 x 8
Exercise 7

Dumbbell Bicep Curl To Overhead Press

Reps
4 x 8
4 x 8
4 x 8
Description

Let's get started by grabbing both your dumbbells and have them hanging by your side with the palms facing inwards towards your body.

This is the starting position.

From here curl the dumbbells up, by bending at the elbows until the hands are at shoulder height. As you do this rotate your palms so they face you.

When they are at shoulder height extend your arms overhead until they are almost locked out, or as high as you can. Rotate your palms so they are facing forward at the top of the movement.

Once done, return the dumbbells back down safely to shoulder height and then return the dumbbells back down safely to your side. 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.

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.