•       How to Get Stronger Shoulders Without Any Equipment

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
                                                                                                                              Fitness
  
  
  
  
      Arm & Shoulder Exercises
      Shoulder Exercises without Weights
      How to Get Stronger Shoulders Without Any Equipment
  
  
  How to Get Stronger Shoulders Without Any Equipment
  By an eHow Contributor
  
  
  There is no doubt that fitness centers can help you get stronger, but that doesn't mean it's the only way. Being right at your own home, there are plenty of opportunities to strengthen your shoulders. Here is how to get stronger shoulders without any equipment.
                                                                                                               
  
  
  Instructions
                                                                                                               
  1.       
  • 1
  Make sure to stretch appropriately. Before you begin to workout and strengthen your shoulders, you should make sure to stretch them well. Not only should this make you feel better and help prevent injury, but it will allow your shoulders to get stronger. Not stretching and maintaining your flexibility will only hurt you as you go on with your workout regiment.
  • 2
  Work the front of your shoulder. One of the best ways to strengthen you shoulders is to work on all of those small muscles that make up your shoulder joint. To strengthen your rotator cuff, all you need is something that weighs a few pounds, depending on your muscle strength. Take something in your hand(s) and extend your arms straight down at your sides. While holding the weight, lift your arms straight in front of you all the up until your hands are at shoulder level. This is as high as you need to lift them and any further could potentially damage your shoulders.
  • Sponsored Links
  • General Standards
  Find Ergonomics Standards American National Standards Inst.
  webstore.ansi.org
  • 3
  Strengthen the sides, too. Holding the same weight in your hands, start your arms at your sides again. Instead of lifting them in front of you though, you should lift them straight out to the side. Bring your hands all the way until they are at shoulder height. You should feel the muscle on the side of your shoulders as you lift your arms up. Again, any further could potentially harm your shoulder.
  • 4
  Do some push-ups. The push-up is one of the oldest and simplest exercise known to man--but it is also one of the most effective. If you want to build shoulder strength and don't have any equipment, a push-up is an excellent way to go. Lay flat on the floor or carpet (although generally the harder the surface, the easier it will be to execute). Tuck your hands under your arm pits at about the rib level, or wherever is comfortable. Press your hands down into the floor, lifting your body up into the air until your arms are fully extended. Try to keep body straight as you lift it into the air. If doing a push-up is too difficult for you, modify the motion by lifting your feet into the air and balancing on your knees. This will make the motion easier but will still help strengthen your shoulders.
  • 5
  Try shadowboxing. Boxing is one of the best ways to strengthen your shoulders and can easily require no equipment. You shouldn't be getting into the ring with anyone, but boxing will help you. To shadowbox, start by holding your fists up at eye level. Start to throw punches as you see fit. Throw combinations, one hand at a time, whatever makes you comfortable. And move around while you do it. Pretend you are in a boxing match and hitting an opponent. Move your head around, pretending to dodge oncoming punches. It might seem a little foolish, but any extra movement will only increase the fitness factor of the activity. The weight of your outstretched fists in front of your body will be more than enough to help strengthen you shoulders. Just try shadowboxing for 10 solid minutes, and see how your arms feel when you are done.