15 Best Shoulder Exercises For Women

Shoulder exercises help strengthen and tone the delts. Building shoulder strength is essential for maintaining overall fitness, minimizing injuries from everyday activities, and improving physical appearance. Strong shoulders improve stability, upper body strength, and posture. The best shoulder exercises for women help increase shoulder fitness and stamina and reduce pain. Toned shoulders also help you rock any kind of attire you wear. That’s why, irrespective of age, profession, or fitness level, every woman must include shoulder exercises in their fitness routines. Check out these 15 best shoulder exercises for women. Get your dumbbells, and let’s begin!

Workout Blueprint: Shoulder Exercises For Women

• Frequency: Every alternate day
• Benefits: Strengthen and tone the muscles, increase fitness and stamina, and reduce shoulder pain.
• Equipment Needed: Exercise mat and dumbbells.
• Space Required: Small area
• Assistance Required: No
• Who Should Avoid: Individuals who have been advised to avoid these exercises or with existing injuries or may be pregnant.

15 Shoulder Exercises For Strengthening And Toning

Before you jump directly to these bodyweight exercises, you must dedicate 10 minutes to warming up your muscles to prevent injuries and enhance performance. Shoulder rolls and arm circles are two basic dynamic stretches that can help warm up your shoulders for the workout. You can practice these shoulder exercises in the gym or at home.

1. Lateral Raises

This exercise is a staple in every shoulder workout regimen since it not only develops the deltoids but also increases upper body strength and shoulder stability.

Target – Medial or lateral (side) deltoids, lats, and pectoralis major (chest muscle).

How To Do Lateral Raises

1. Hold a dumbbell in each hand, stand straight, with your legs shoulder-width apart, and shoulders rolled back. Bend your elbow slightly.
2. Raise your arms until they reach the shoulder level. Pause and bring your arms down. Do 3 sets of 12 reps.

2. Dumbbell Front Raises

This exercise helps in improving shoulder strength, stability, and overall upper body aesthetics.

 Target – Anterior (front) deltoids, lateral (side) deltoids, lats teres major and minor, serratus anterior (side of your chest), and pectoralis major (chest muscle).

Eunice, a blogger, shared she liked to do the shoulder press while she spent her time in front of the television. She said, “I love this exercise because it is relatively easy and you can do it while watching TV. I feel a lot less guilty plopping in front of the TV if I am being productive while I do it (i).”

How To Do Dumbbell Front Raises

1. Grab two dumbbells, stand straight, with the legs hip-width apart, palms on the front of your thighs, facing inwards.
2. Raise your hands. Pause at the shoulder level and lower them slowly. Do 2 sets of 12 reps.

Variation – Raise one arm at a time. This is also known as single hand dumbbell front raise.

3. Reverse Fly

It targets the upper back and shoulders in an efficient manner, improving posture and rear deltoid strength.

Target – Posterior (back) deltoids, lats, rhomboids, serratus anterior (side of your chest), pectoralis major (chest muscle), biceps, triceps, and traps.

How To Do Reverse Fly

1. Grab a dumbbell in each hand. Keep your legs close to each other, bend forward at 45 degrees, with your knees slightly bent, and hands hanging down.
2. Lift your arms to your side, pause, and lower them. Do 3 sets of 8 reps.

4. Shoulder Shrugs

Shoulder shrugs improve upper back stability and ease strain in the shoulders and neck by strengthening the trapezius muscles.

Target – Lateral (side) deltoids, posterior (back) deltoids, lats, levator scapulae (side of your neck), and pectoralis major (chest muscle).

 How To Do Shoulder Shrugs

1. Grab a dumbbell in each hand. Keep your hands by your side, palms facing inward. Stand straight. Keep your core tight, and shoulders rolled back.
2. Raise your shoulders to your ears, pause, and lower your shoulders. Do 3 sets of 12 reps.

5. Standing Shoulder Press

This exercise strengthens and stabilizes the shoulders while engaging the core for improved balance and effective upper body power.

Target – Anterior (front) deltoids, lateral (side) deltoids, posterior (back) deltoids, biceps, triceps, lats, serratus anterior (side of your chest), and pectoralis major (chest muscle).

How To Do Standing Shoulder Press

1. Hold a dumbbell in each hand. Stand with your legs hip-width apart, and shoulders rolled back.
2. Lift your arms so that the upper arms are parallel to the floor. Your forearms should be at 90 degrees with your upper arms, and palms facing forward.
3. Push the dumbbells over your head by extending your hands.
4. Pause and bring your arms back to the starting position. Do 2 sets of 15 reps.

6. Bent Arm Lateral Raises

These exercises reduce stress on the shoulder joints and strengthen and define the shoulders.

Target – Medial or lateral (side) deltoids, anterior (front) deltoids, lats, pectoralis major (chest muscle), and serratus anterior (side of your chest).

How To Do Bent Arm Lateral Raises

1. Hold two dumbbells. Stand straight and keep your legs shoulder-width apart, hands by your side, palms facing inward, and shoulders rolled back.
2. Bend your elbows so that your forearms are at 90 degrees with your upper arms, and the palms are facing each other. Bend your knees slightly to support your back.
3. Exhale and keeping your elbows locked, lift your arms until they are at the shoulder level. Pause, inhale and bring your arms back to the starting position. Do 2 sets of 15 reps.

Quick Tip

Side planks are great functional training exercises and safe for most people, but it is best to avoid them if you have shoulder or arm pain or experience it during the workout.

7. Side Plank

This exercise improves posture and enhances overall stability, balance, and lateral strength by strengthening the obliques and core muscles.

Target – Lateral (side) deltoids, anterior (front) deltoids, posterior (back) deltoids, triceps, biceps, abs, obliques, glutes, hamstrings, and quads.

How To Do Side Plank

1. Lie down on your right side. Your right forearm should be at 90 degrees with the upper arm. Keep your palm flat on the floor, the right elbow exactly below the right shoulder. Place your left hand on your waist.
2. Lift your hips off the floor. Make sure your neck is in line with your spine. Do not drop it down.
3. Hold this pose for 30-60 seconds.
4. Do it on the other side as well. Do 3 sets of 30-60 seconds hold.

8. Pec Deck Butterfly

It isolates and strengthens the chest muscles, promoting greater definition.

Target – Anterior (front) deltoids, pectoralis major (chest muscle), triceps, and lats.

How To Do Pec Deck Butterfly

1. Stand straight with a dumbbell in each hand.
2. Lift the dumbbells by bending your elbows such that your upper arms are parallel to the ground, and your forearms are upright and at 90 degrees with the upper arms.
3. Engage your abs and bring your elbows close in front of your face.
4. Push them back to the starting position. Do 3 sets of 15 reps.

9. Elbow Plank

The elbow plank improves posture and overall body endurance, while also strengthening and stabilizing the core.

Target – Anterior (front) deltoids, lateral (side) deltoids, posterior (back) deltoids, triceps, abs, glutes, hamstrings, and quads.

 How To Do Elbow Plank

1. Get on all fours. Bend your elbows and rest them on the floor. Extend your legs behind.
2. Hold this pose for 30-60 seconds. Do 3 sets of 30-60 seconds hold.

10. Overhead Tricep Extensions

Overhead tricep extensions contribute to the development of upper arm strength and definition, as well as an increase in arm stability.

Target – Posterior (back) deltoids, triceps, lats, serratus anterior (side of your chest), and pectoralis major (chest muscle).

How To Do Overhead Tricep Extensions

1. Grab a dumbbell with both hands. Rest your palm on the inner side of the top dumbbell head, and sit on a bench or a chair.
2. Raise your arms and bring the dumbbell right over your head. This is the starting position.
3. Flex your elbows, and keeping your upper arms stationary, lower your forearms so that the dumbbell is directly behind your neck.
4. Lift your forearms and get back to the starting position. Do 2 sets of 12 reps.

11. Plank Ups

Plank ups strengthen the shoulders and triceps while also strengthening and stabilizing the core.

Target – Anterior (front) deltoids, lateral (side) deltoids, posterior (back) deltoids, triceps, biceps, abs, glutes, hamstrings, and quads.

How To Do Plank Ups

1. Get into a plank position. Keep your core engaged, neck in line with your spine, and look down.
2. Flex your right elbow and place your right forearm flat on the floor.
3. Flex your left elbow and place your left forearm flat on the floor. You are now in an elbow plank position.
4. Without pausing, place your right palm flat on the floor and extend your right arm. Place your left palm flat on the floor and extend your left arm. Now, you will be in a push-up position. Do 2 sets of 10 reps.

12. Seated Bent-over Rear Delt Raise

This exercise helps improve shoulder stability and posture while reducing strain on the lower back.

Target – Lateral (side) deltoids, posterior (back) deltoids, biceps, triceps, lats, serratus anterior (side of your chest), and pectoralis major (chest muscle).

How To Do Seated Bent-over Rear Delt Raise

1. Grab a dumbbell in each hand and sit on a flat bench. Keep your legs together and bend your upper body forward. Let your chest be near your knees.
2. Place your hand by your calves. Keep your neck in line with your spine.
3. Exhale and lift the dumbbells straight to your sides until both the arms are parallel to the floor. Make sure your elbows are slightly bent.
4. Pause, inhale, and slowly lower the dumbbell back to the starting position. Do 3 sets of 12 reps.

Note:

This exercise can be performed in the standing position, but if you have lower back pain, it is better to do it in the sitting position with precautions.

13. Push-ups

Push-ups strengthen the triceps, shoulders, chest, and core to increase upper body strength and endurance.

Target – Anterior (front) deltoids, lateral (side) deltoids, posterior (back) deltoids, biceps, triceps, lats, serratus anterior (side of your chest), and pectoralis major (chest muscle).

How To Do Push-ups

1. Get down in a plank position with your hands directly beneath your shoulders, abs tight, and body in a straight line.
2. Bend your elbows to the sides and lower your body towards the floor. Make sure your body remains in a straight line.
3. Press up back to the starting position. Don’t forget to breathe. Do 2 sets of 10 reps.

Did You Know?

If push-ups are difficult for you, start doing modified push-ups on your knees instead of your toes until you build the strength to do a regular one.

14. Dumbbell Upright Rows

Dumbbell upright rows are an efficient way to work on the shoulders and upper traps, which improves upper body stability and muscle definition.

Target – Lateral (side) deltoids, posterior (back) deltoids, biceps, triceps, lats, rhomboids, serratus anterior (side of your chest), and pectoralis major (chest muscle).

How To Do Dumbbell Upright Rows

1. Grab a dumbbell in each hand. Stand straight with the legs hip-width apart, shoulders rolled back, and palms facing your thighs.
2. Draw the dumbbells up to your chest level by flexing your elbows. Keep your elbows away from your body, upper arms at shoulder height, palms facing inward, and wrists lower than your elbows.
3. Slowly lower the weight to the starting position. Do 3 sets of 15 reps.

15. Pike Push-ups

Pike push-ups strengthen the shoulders and upper chest while also engaging the triceps and core.

Target – Anterior (front) deltoids, lateral (side) deltoids, posterior (back) deltoids, triceps, serratus anterior (side of your chest), and pectoralis major (chest muscle).

How To Do Pike Push-ups

1. Get into the plank position and push your hips up towards the sky such that you are in the Downward Dog pose.
2. Bend your elbows, and try to touch your head to the floor and press up. Do 3 sets of 10 reps.

These are the 15 best shoulder exercises for women and some of them are even considered great upper body exercises, especially the variations of plank exercises that may strengthen your shoulders and back. You must cool down and relax after you complete your workout session. Here’s what you should do.

Cool Down

Cooling down is as important as warming up your muscles. It will help you relax and prevent any delayed post-workout injury. After a workout, stretching your shoulder muscles promotes recovery and helps avoid stiffness. Include stretches like the cross-body shoulder stretch to maintain flexibility. Check out this video and follow the instructions to cool down.

Examining several modifications and variations can help adjust the workout to match a variety of fitness levels and goals, enhancing the benefits of shoulder exercises for strengthening and toning.

Modifications And Variations

If you are a beginner, practice the exercises without weights until you master the form. Then you can gradually start with lighter weights and move to heavier ones. Alternatives like modified push-ups on the knees can also be useful for people with restrictions without compromising form.

Infographic: Top 5 Shoulder Exercises For Women To Try

The right exercises can increase your stamina and strengthen your shoulders. From the elaborate list above, we have highlighted the top 5 exercises to help you get toned shoulders that you can show off in a gorgeous new dress. Check out the infographic below to know more!

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the aesthetic benefits of shoulder exercises for women?

Shoulder workouts build tone define muscles and improve posture, creating a more balanced and aesthetic silhouette. It gives you the confidence to wear more body-hugging and bare-shoulder outfits.

What are some shoulder exercises for women?

Some of the best shoulder exercises for women are:

• Lateral raises
• Dumbbell front raises
• Reverse fly
• Shoulder shrugs
• Standing dumbbell shoulder press
• Seated overhead press
• Bent arm lateral raises
• Side plank
• Pec deck butterfly
• Elbow plank
• Overhead tricep extensions
• Plank ups
• Arnold press
• Seated bent-over rear delt raise
• Push-ups
• Dumbbell upright rows
• Pike push-ups
• Military press exercise
• Push press exercise

How can I reduce shoulder fat?

You must do cardio 3 times a week and eat healthy foods to help burn fat. After 3-4 weeks, you will start to see results. You can then start strength training or lifting weights to tone your shoulders. Lift weights under the supervision of a professional trainer.

How can I increase shoulder size at home?

You can increase shoulder size at home by incorporating shoulder stabilization exercises, dumbbells, barbells, and resistance bands to your shoulder workout routine. Along with exercise, you must also consume protein powders.

How to strengthen the rotator cuff?

Stretching and strengthening the muscles that support the rotator cuff is important. But you must do exercises and stretches under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist. Do the following rotator cuff exercises to reduce pain:

• Pendulum
• Doorway stretch
• Crossover arm stretch
• Shoulder external rotation
• Shoulder internal rotation
• Resisted shoulder extension
• Shoulder abduction using resistance band exercises
• Reverse fly
• Side-lying external rotation
• Sleeper stretch
• Standing row
• Elbow flexion
• Elbow extension
• Scapula setting
• Scapular retraction/protraction
• Bent over horizontal abduction

Do push-ups work?

Yes, push-ups work your shoulders, chest, biceps, triceps, and core. Doing push-ups regularly will help you build toned and strong shoulders.

When should I see a doctor for shoulder pain?

You must see a doctor if there is swelling, pain, redness, and skin surface heat and if it affects mobility. If a pain-subduing spray doesn’t work, it is better to get an X-ray done and consult a licensed orthopedician.

Get ready to improve your posture and feel more confident. Check out this workout video and learn how to fix rounded shoulders and hunchback.

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Dr. Sudhansu SinghBPT

   

Dr. Sudhansu Singh is a Physiotherapist, Sports and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist, and Neuro Physiotherapist with 8 years of experience. He is a member of the Federation of Indian Manual Therapists (FIMT) and an active member of the Delhi Council of Physiotherapy and FIMT Australia Association.

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