An orthopaedic surgeon is urging fitness fans to ditch a well known exercise as it is ‘destroying’ your body.
A surgeon has warned gym enthusiasts to stop doing on exercise as it ‘destroying’ their shoulders.(Image: Getty Images)
As we trudge through the colder months, many people have decided to take on the challenge of working on their health and fitness. Along with trying to stick to healthier eating habits, quite a few people have started working out either at their local gym or at home.
Whether people have managed to stick to their new year’s resolution or are wanting to get in shape for an upcoming holiday, many people are taking on a variety of different workouts to meet their goals. However, an orthopaedic surgeon warned one popular exercise is actually “destroying” a part of your body.
When it comes to exercise, many gym-goers enjoy bulking up their shoulders to give a strong look. In order to achieve this, many people choose an exercise called the military press, which is otherwise known as the standing barbell overhead press.
Along with the straightforward nature of the exercise, the military press is also popular as it has the ability to strengthen and build your triceps, shoulders and upper chest, reports the Mirror. On top of this, it is also known to be a great exercise for engaging your core for stability.
However Dr Patrick Denard, voted as one of the top shoulder surgeons in the US, raised some concerns about the popular exercise. Warning the exercise may actually be doing more harm than good, the doctor took to social media to share some alternative exercises.
In a post on Instagram, he said: “I repair shoulders for a living. Here’s my least favourite exercise that I see people doing at the gym that’s destroying their shoulders: the overhead military press. This exercise places a ton of stress on your shoulders.”
For those wanting to build muscle with less strain, Doctor Denard said: “If you want to protect your rotator cuff and keep your shoulders strong, exercise selection matters.
“I’m a much bigger fan of abduction-based movements, especially slow eccentrics with very light weight. This approach builds strength while minimizing unnecessary strain on the tendon.”
Abduction exercises involve drawing the arm away from the body’s centre line. Some examples include standing or seated lateral raises, which can be done with or without weights or resistance bands, as well as isometric wall pushes, and prone T/Y raises.
These exercises can help reinforce stability and shoulder function, whilst also strengthening both the rotator cuff and deltoids.
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Dr Denard went on to explain: “So, taking a light weight, going in the plane of the scapula, and then just going very slowly down. You’re still going to get the effect of muscle activation, but here I’m much more protected – my rotator cuff being in the plane of the scapula.”
The NHS states regular exercise can help those feeling shoulder discomfort to ease the pressure while also building strength.
For the best results, the healthcare service advises patients exercise consistently, closely follow professional guidance, and remain patient throughout the process.
It says: “Exercise has consistently been shown to improve symptoms associated with a painful shoulder. However, it is important to remember that there is no magic recipe for what exercises you should perform.”
The NHS does also warn patients may find “these exercises slightly increase your symptoms initially”. However, over time they should become easier to do and your shoulders will begin to move more easily.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: www.dailyrecord.co.uk
