This Shoulder Exercise Is Harder Than It Looks

The shoulder joint is a complex orchestra of muscles that attach to and from our ribs, shoulder blade, arm and spine.

It requires a combination of adequate mobility, stability and strength to move and function optimally.

Unfortunately many of us will train shoulder strength in the gym with overhead press variations and hit isolation exercises like lateral and frontal raises to single out specific parts.

However, we very rarely train the shoulder with exercises that truly test its stability, mobility and strength all in one.

Now you can!

The Kettlebell Bottoms-Up Press does just that.

Here’s how to do it:

• Holding a kettlebell upside down by the middle of the handle (see video) forces you to focus on the quality of movement as you press overhead to keep the bell balanced.
• You can use your opposite hand to set it up at first until it feels secure.
• You also need to grip like hell to keep the bell from slipping and rocking back onto the wrist.
• Starting with the elbow tucked into the rib press the bell slowly overhead until the arm is straight and beside your ear.
• Begin with a relatively light weight for 6-8 reps each side for 2-3 sets.
• You can use it as a standalone shoulder exercise or as an activation drill to warm-up for heavier sets.

Heres a Technique Tuesday video to explain a little more:

Stay Flexy,

Mark