Reps
Description
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.