The holidays and new year are approaching and people increase their activity level to try and keep the pounds off. One of the most common ways that we see an individual injury their shoulder is weight lifting, especially with overhead (military) press.

The shoulder joint is made for mobility and is inherently unstable. The support of joint comes the muscles and ligaments to keep the ball centered in the socket. As the arm is raised overhead the small stabilizing muscles (rotator cuff) have to work extremely hard to maintain stability. If the individual does not have adequate baseline strength around the shoulder and correct technique this is a recipe for failure when performing the overhead press exercise

If you are starting a new workout program or are unsure about how to correctly perform an overhead press exercise do your shoulders a favor and hold off on this exercise. The muscles around the shoulder can be strengthened sufficiently by performing other less risky exercises.

Here are three exercises to help strengthen the shoulders:

You can also use small hand weights. Perform exercise with thumb up and bring arm up to shoulder height. Perform 3 sets of 10-15 reps

You can also use small hand weights. Perform exercise with thumb up and bring arm up to shoulder height. Perform 3 sets of 10-15 reps

Squeeze your shoulder blade back as you pull the weight up. 3 x 10-15 reps

Always consult a health or exercise professional before starting a work out routine