Light Band Exercises
Resistance bands have been an essential part of my training for years and they have many different uses. To get you started, here are 3 of my favourite exercises that I use almost every session.
Shoulder Rotations
An exercise I originally saw demonstrated by Yuri Marmerstein and it has been in my practice ever since. This exercise puts the shoulder through its entire range of motion, getting into all those hard to reach areas. It goes through internal and external rotation, extension and flexion; just everything. A must try.
Perform: 1-3 sets x 5-10 reps per side
Shoulder Circles
Understanding how to articulate the scapula is essential for being the best bodyweight athlete. This exercise takes you through retraction, protraction, depression and elevation all unilaterally so its a real test of scapula movement. This example shows the arm distracted horizontally but the angle can be altered for a different effect.
Perform: 1-3 sets x 5-10 reps per direction, per side
Pull Apart Complex
As I’ve already mentioned, the scapula is pretty important. This exercise helps work the final two movements, upward and downward rotation as well as retraction. Two important movements for pressing and pulling vertically. It also has the bonus of providing rotator cuff prep which is important for keeping the shoulder strong and healthy. This exercise is my personal go-to for warm up and prep for any handbalancing work.
Perform: 1-3 sets x 5-10 reps per position