Front Plate Raises | Ann Marier's Ultimate Diet and Health Information

Posted in Article on February 13, 2012

The front plate raises will concentrate on your shoulders. It will help to strengthen them in order to help give the upper body the look of wider shoulders. When the shoulders appear wider it seems to help build the confidence up in a person. It also makes the body appear to be more balanced and athletic.

You will need a barbell plate when doing your front plate raises. The barbell plates are the big flat weights. Do not pick one that is too heavy instead get a weight that you will be able to lift easily.

This exercise is done in the standing position. Make sure both feet are flat and are aligned with your shoulders. You want to keep your back straight so you do not injury it.

Once you are in the proper position you will need to place your hands properly on the barbell weight. Place your right hand in the 3 o?clock position on the weight. Now take your left hand and place it at the 9 o?clock position. When your hands are placed in the correct position your palms will be pointing towards each other.

Keeping a firm grip on the barbell weight lower it until it is almost at your waist. Your elbows will be slightly bent and pointing at the wall behind you. Your arms will be extended and locked into place. This is going to be your starting position for the front plate raises.

While exhaling, start to raise the plate slowly until it is just above your shoulders. You will know the weight is at the correct height when you can see through the hole. Your arms should have stayed locked in the same position they were at the beginning. You are using your shoulders to pull the plate up in front of you not your arms or your torso.

Hold the position for a second while you look through the hole. Now start to inhale as you bring the plate back down to your starting position. Do the recommended repetitions.

If you do not feel comfortable with the barbell plate or cannot keep your grip on it there are some other items that can be used. The dumbbells can be used and you can do one arm at a time or you can do both at once. Some people prefer using the dumbbells because they can add more weight to it easily. If you feel more comfortable being able to grab a bar with both hands then use the barbells. The cables can also be used if you are worried about dropping the weights on to the ground.

If you are not sure if you are doing the front plate raises correctly then stop and ask a professional. The whole point of the exercise is to build and strengthen your shoulders and not to hurt them.

These three shoulder exercises will give your shoulders the appearance that they are wider over time. They will cut your shoulders and give them definition.