Gym Upper-Body 2.3 | Adapt to Perform
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Gym Upper-Body 2.3

Session overview

Welcome to the Gym Upper-Body 2.3 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 Pulldown
Reps: 4 x 10 4 x 10 4 x 10
Exercise 3

Cable Pulldown

Reps
4 x 10
4 x 10
4 x 10
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 inwards and position yourself in the middle of the pulleys.

This is the starting position.

From here pull by bending your elbows down and in front of you 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. Cable Chest Press
Reps: 4 x 10 4 x 10 4 x 10
Exercise 4

Cable Chest Press

Reps
4 x 10
4 x 10
4 x 10
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 elbows at shoulder height and slightly behind you and your hands pointing forward.

This is the starting position.

From here extend your hands forward until the arms are fully extended 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 Row
Reps: 4 x 10 4 x 10 4 x 10
Exercise 5

Cable Row

Reps
4 x 10
4 x 10
4 x 10
Description

First, place both cable pulleys at chest 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 back by bending at the elbows 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.

6. Dumbbell Shrug
Reps: 4 x 10 4 x 10 4 x 10
Exercise 6

Dumbbell Shrug

Reps
4 x 10
4 x 10
4 x 10
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 shrug your shoulders up as high as you can, then squeeze them at the top of the movement. As you lower back to the starting position do so slowly rather than just letting your arms drop. 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.

7. Dumbbell Hammer Curl
Reps: 4 x 10 4 x 10 4 x 10
Exercise 7

Dumbbell Hammer Curl

Reps
4 x 10
4 x 10
4 x 10
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 elbow until the arms are fully flexed or as high as you can. As you do this keep your palms facing inwards the whole time.

Once done, 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 Extension
Reps: 4 x 10 4 x 10 4 x 10
Exercise 8

Dumbbell Tricep Extension

Reps
4 x 10
4 x 10
4 x 10
Description

Let's get started by grabbing both your dumbbells and bringing them right above your head with a slight bent in your arms and your palms facing inwards.

This is the starting position.

From here bend your arms at the elbow, lowering the hands behind the head.

Once here, return the dumbbells back up above your head. 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.