Shoulder Endurance 3 | Adapt to Perform
Back

Shoulder Endurance 3

Session overview

Shoulder Endurance 3 is a 20-minute pyramid set using resistance bands. To perform a pyramid session we start with doing 1 rep of each exercise, then increase by 1 rep on each until you reach the top of the pyramid, then reduce by 1 rep of each exercise until you get back to 1 rep, this is 1 “pyramid”. The top of the pyramid depends on the level selected For this session we'll be going through 2 sets of 2 pyramids to make a total of 4 pyramids.

Between each pyramid take between 1 and 2 minutes rest depending on how much you need. For the resistance band make sure you choose a lighter resistance. If you can't make the reps then the band is too heavy. If you feel like you could do more than 3 extra reps with this weight then it's too light. Another way to adjust the band’s strength is to bring your hands closer to the anchor point (or together if 2 handed exercises) to make it harder or further away to make it easier.

Session details
Whiteboard
Resistance
Shoulders
Rounds of pyramids
2
Pyramids start point
1
Top of pyramid
8 10 12
Pyramid end point
1
Rest per pyramid
1 minutes
Equipment
Intensity:
Easy
Medium
Hard
00:00:00
Pyramid 1
1. Band Pull Apart
Exercise 1

Band Pull Apart

First, grab your band in both hand slightly wider than shoulder width apart and raised so they are shoulder height and in front of you. Make sure you that there is no slack in this position.

This is the starting position.

From here pull your hands apart until they are at your sides but elevated throughout. Then return the starting position. 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 can’t pull the band fully apart then you may need to play around with holding the band wider to get an effective workout.

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:

As you pull the band apart, make sure to exhale. This will keep your spine in a neutral position and prevent you from compensating by hyperextending as you perform the repetitions.
Focus on pushing the hands apart once the band is completely pulled apart at chest height to improve the exercise even more. This will aid in engaging the serratus anterior, a tiny muscle located just beneath your armpit.
As you pull the band apart, watch out for the head protruding forward.
You can target more of the upper back if you keep your elbows slightly bent.

2. Band Shoulder Press - Single Arm
Exercise 2

Band Shoulder Press - Single Arm

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 and grab the band in the hand closest to the anchor. Bring your elbow in a bent position tucked up to your side and your hand at shoulder height also to the side. Make sure you are far enough away that there is no slack in this position.

This is the starting position.

From here press the band up and above your head or as far as you can, keeping the elbow out to the side through the movement. After this, slowly return the arm back to the starting position. 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

Don't worry about keeping your shoulders pushed back and down as you reach your highest point.
At the peak of the movement, let the elbows spin and point outward; however, at the bottom, tuck them tightly against the rib cage.
Keep the movement from gaining momentum.
Imagine trying to gaze out a window from the top; your biceps and ears should be in line.
Consider experimenting with a wider grasp or shorter range if the movement is causing you any shoulder pain.

Pyramid 2
1. Band Face Pull - Single Arm
Exercise 1

Band Face Pull - Single Arm

First, securely attach a band to something that won’t move or break. Be sure to attach it at chest height and grab with one hand.

You should position yourself facing toward the anchor point and with your hands straight 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 shoulder back followed by your elbow and hand so your hand comes up towards your ear, Keep pulling through the full range of movement or as far as you can with the elbow and hand high throughout. Then return the arm 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.

Tips

As you pull, try not to arch your back or lean back.
Make sure your elbows remain raised and your hands remain at eye level as you pull.
Make sure not to thrust your head forward to meet your hands; instead, concentrate on contracting the rear delts.
Make sure the anchor is set at face height and not higher as this could over-recruit the lats and counteract some of the advantages of scapular upward rotation.
Don't rely on momentum; instead, keep the motion controlled and smooth from beginning to end.

2. Band Bent Over Fly - Single Arm
Exercise 2

Band Bent Over Fly - Single Arm

First, bend forward and securely attach a band under the footplate of your chair so you are holding it in each hand. From here you should lift your hands with straight arms up to the side until the band feels resistance. If your hands are above 45 degrees, you will need to hold the band closer together to make sure we have resistance throughout the whole movement.

This is the starting position.

From here pull one of your hands up to the side at shoulder height, slightly above or as far as you can. After this, slowly return the arm back to the starting position. 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

Movement at the shoulder blade should be minimal because the rear deltoids—rather than the scapular retractors—are where we want to put our focus. Move the shoulder inside the joint, not the one that is attached to the ribs.
At the peak of the exercise, keep the abs tight and avoid arching your back.
When doing the movement, avoid cocking your head forward because only a tiny muscle group is being stimulated. Don't rely on momentum while moving; instead, pay attention.
Don't lock out the elbows but do allow the arms to move freely.