
1.OVERHEAD SHOULDER PRESS
The Overhead Shoulder Press (also called the Shoulder Press or Military Press) is a compound upper-body exercise that primarily targets the deltoid muscles (especially the anterior and medial heads) while also engaging the triceps, upper chest, and core.
It can be performed with:
- Barbell
- Dumbbells
- Smith machine
- Seated or standing
This is a foundational lift for building shoulder strength, size, and stability.
✅ Benefits of Overhead Shoulder Press
- Builds Broad, Strong Shoulders
- Targets all three heads of the deltoid for well-rounded development.
- Improves Upper-Body Strength
- A compound move that also works triceps, upper chest, and core when standing.
- Enhances Posture & Stability
- Strengthens the muscles that support shoulder joint health and upright posture.
2.LATERAL RAISES
Lateral Raises – Description
Lateral Raises are an isolation exercise that primarily targets the medial (side) head of the deltoid, which is responsible for giving your shoulders a broader, more defined appearance. The exercise involves lifting dumbbells (or cables/resistance bands) out to the sides of the body in a controlled motion, keeping a slight bend in the elbows.
Lateral raises are a staple in shoulder workouts for shaping and widening the shoulders, especially when combined with pressing movements like the overhead press.
✅ Benefits of Lateral Raises
- Builds Shoulder Width
- Specifically targets the side delts to help you achieve a wider, more V-tapered upper body.
- Improves Shoulder Definition
- Adds detail and tone to the shoulders, enhancing the overall aesthetic of your upper body.
- Enhances Lifting Balance and Stability
- Strengthens the deltoids, supporting better performance in compound lifts like bench press and overhead press.
3.FRONT RAISES
💪 Front Raises – Description
Front Raises are an isolation exercise that primarily targets the anterior (front) head of the deltoid muscle, which plays a key role in shoulder strength and upper-body aesthetics. The movement involves raising dumbbells (or a barbell, plate, or resistance band) straight in front of your body to shoulder height, with arms extended and a slight bend in the elbows.
This exercise helps enhance shoulder definition, improve upper body posture, and support other pressing movements like the bench press or shoulder press.
✅ Benefits of Front Raises
- Builds Strong Front Delts
- Specifically targets the front of the shoulders, improving pressing power and appearance.
- Improves Shoulder Definition
- Enhances the aesthetic shape of the shoulders by isolating the anterior deltoid.
- Boosts Performance in Compound Lifts
- Strengthens muscles used in bench pressing, push-ups, and overhead lifts
4.UPRIGHT ROWS
Upright Rows – Description
Upright Rows are a compound upper-body exercise that primarily targets the trapezius (traps) and deltoids (especially the lateral and front heads). The movement involves pulling a barbell, dumbbells, or cable handle straight upward to chest level, keeping the elbows higher than the wrists throughout the motion.
This exercise is commonly used to build shoulder width, trap thickness, and improve overall upper-body pulling strength.
✅ Benefits of Upright Rows
- Targets Multiple Upper Body Muscles
- Works the shoulders, traps, and upper arms, making it a great compound move for upper body development.
- Builds Shoulder and Trap Size
- Helps develop rounded shoulders and thicker traps for a more powerful look.
- Enhances Postural Strength
- Strengthens the upper back and rear deltoids, supporting better posture and alignment.
5.SHRUGS
Shrugs – Description
Shrugs are a simple but highly effective isolation exercise that primarily targets the trapezius muscles (traps), located at the top of your back and neck. The movement involves lifting (or “shrugging”) the shoulders upward as high as possible, then lowering them back down under control.
Shrugs can be performed with:
- Dumbbells
- Barbells
- Trap bar
- Cable machine
They are especially popular for building a stronger, thicker neck and upper back appearance.
✅ Benefits of Shrugs
- Builds Bigger, Stronger Traps
- Specifically targets the upper traps for thicker and more powerful-looking shoulders and upper back.
- Improves Posture
- Strengthens the muscles that help pull your shoulders back and support good posture.
- Enhances Stability for Heavy Lifts
- Strong traps support movements like deadlifts, rows, and overhead presses.
REP RANGES
Overhead Shoulder Press
- Strength: 4–6 reps
- Muscle growth: 8–12 reps
- Endurance: 12–15 reps
2. Lateral Raises
- Growth & shape: 10–15 reps
- Toning: 15–20 reps
3. Front Raises
- Muscle growth: 10–15 reps
- Endurance: 15–20 reps
4. Upright Rows
- Growth: 8–12 reps
- Endurance: 12–15 reps
5. Shrugs
- Size: 10–15 reps
- Strength: 6–10 reps
- Endurance: 15+ reps