GET OVER “ARMS DAY”
For a truly impressive upper body, a good set of tris alone won’t cut it, argues Hendrick Famutimi, PT and two-time British powerlifting champion
“The shoulders
are the most important body part that gym-goers habitually neglect. But training them has multiple benefits, both in terms of strength and, of course, aesthetics. If you’re aiming to build that coveted ‘V-shape’ for the beach, disproportionately bulky arms and narrow shoulders just won’t cut it.
“Your shoulders are involved in pretty much every movement you do, from biceps curls to overhead triceps extensions, bent-over rows and pull-ups. The stronger they are, the better you’ll perform in all upperbody movements.
“They’re also prone to injury. This is mainly because they are left underworked, then are suddenly asked to lift more than they’ve been built to handle. It’s not just the bits you see in the mirror (the deltoids), either. Small muscle groups such as the rotator cuffs add notable value to your lifts and play a major role in shoulder mobility. “So, avoid obsessing over the ‘big guns’ look at the expense of all else. If you want a balanced aesthetic and better performance in any discipline, then it’s all about the shoulders.”