Scapular Mobility Exercises

Scapular mobility is extremely important if you want to maintain a healthy set of shoulders. These simple band-resisted exercises will help.

Introduction

When I first started weight training, nobody told me about training anything other than the big movement muscles, the prime movers. Big mistake!

Throw in an enormous volume of swimming - initially at least, with poor technique - and my shoulders were a mess.

I've written about my shoulder rehabilitation journey here.

What's more, I know I'm not alone in having unhappy shoulders. I come across a lot people who tell me that they too have shoulder problems that prevent them doing all the things they should be able to do.

You should be able to do pull ups, press ups, lift things overhead and perform all manner of daily tasks without pain or restriction.

Whilst these scapular mobility exercises are by no means the final word on shoulder health, they'll go a long way towards keeping you pain-free.

What's more, it's very easy to keep a light elastic band handy in a desk drawer at work, meaning you can perform these periodically throughout your day. What's more, that same elastic band can be used for a range of other "mobility snacks" without your co-workers looking at you too askance.

In the video:

  • Straight Arm Pulldown
  • Band Pull Aparts
  • "Whip It"
  • Dislocations

If you look after scapular mobility, thoracic mobility, thoracic rotation and good joint position, your shoulders can not only be pain-free, but can remain that way, allowing you to do more "stuff". That, after all, is the point of living.

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Will Newton


In over twenty years of coaching, I have coached everyone from absolute beginners to world champions.
My interest in getting the best results for people who train for health and fitness or the love of sport, rather than as professionals, drives me to find the most effective ways to get results.
My mission is simple: Be in better shape at 70 than most people are at 20, and to help you do the same.