Shoulders form an important part of the overall physique of a person. In fact, if you want to build a strong, strapping physique, it is very necessary to develop the shoulder muscles properly. Not only do they make the upper body appear wide and powerful, but are also vital for attaining the typical 'v-shaped' body. Overhead press and raise are amongst the most useful exercises if you want to have a broad-shouldered look. While these exercises can be performed with a barbell also, dumbbell is the better choice, as the latter allows a more natural range of motion. Read on to explore the best mass building shoulder exercises.
Best Shoulder Mass Building Workout
For a proper shoulder mass building workout, follow the exercises in the same sequence as given below and do the required repetitions as well.
Seated Overhead Dumbbell Press
- Sit on a bench, with your feet firmly planted on the ground.
- Hold the dumbbells to the side of your head, with palms facing away from your body and elbows at 90 degrees.
- While exhaling, raise the dumbbells above your head. Make sure to keep your palms in line with your shoulders and back as straight as possible.
- Lower the dumbbells back down to the starting position, while inhaling.
- Do 2 sets of 5-7 reps each.
Standing Dumbbell Side Laterals
- Stand on a firm ground, with your back straight, knees slightly bent and feet slightly less than shoulder-width apart.
- Hold the dumbbells with your palms facing each other and press them together, around 4-6 inches in front of your hips.
- Keeping your elbows slightly bent, raise the dumbbells laterally. Try to form an arc toward the ceiling until your arms are parallel to the floor.
- Slowly lower the dumbbells back to the starting position.
- Do 1-2 sets of 10-12 reps each.
Standing Front Dumbbell Raise
- Stand on a firm ground, with your back straight, knees slightly bent and feet about shoulder-width apart.
- Bend your arms slightly and hold the dumbbells in such a way that your palms face your body.
- Using one arm at a time, raise the dumbbell towards the ceiling, until it is slightly higher than shoulder height.
- Slowly lower the dumbbells back to the starting position and repeat the procedure with the other arm.
- Do 1 set of 10-12 reps each.
Seated Rear Lateral Dumbbell Raise
- Sit at the edge of a bench, with feet placed beyond knees and torso resting on thighs.
- Holds the dumbbell in your hands, placing each hand under the legs.
- Raise your upper arms to the sides, until the elbows are at the shoulder height.
- Keeping upper arms perpendicular to torso and the elbow position fixed, above wrists, repeat.
- Do 1 set of 10-12 reps each.