Exercise of the Week! Reverse Snow Angels.

Performing the Reverse Snow Angels for your shoulder health:Here is a GREAT exercise for improving strength and control of your scapular stabilizing muscles at it’s end end ranges of motion. We recommend this typically before any upper body workout ESPECIALLY for you overhead athlete’s or anyone with rounded shoulders! Execution:

1. Lie face-down on the floor with your legs extended straight and your toes pointed down.
2. Bring your arms completely overhead with the palms facing down. Keeping your upper back engaged, your elbows locked, and your forehead against the ground. If this is a challenge just stay here.
3. Then raise your hands a few inches off the ground by pinching your scapula together.
4.  If easy to maintain then control the movement slowly down towards your hip focusing on keeping both hands as far away from the floor as possible.

The most common compensation seen is hyperextension of the lumbar spine when the arms are overhead, resulting in the head leaving the floor. Keep the core and glute’s engaged to avoid this from occuring.Avoid shrugging while elevating your arms overhead to allow all your upward rotators to work in synergy!Comments? Concerns? Let us know below!Come in to our Personal Training studio in Saint Petersburg, Florida to learn more about this exercise, lifting weights and train with the best! There is always a way to progress your workout to your fitness level!