I recently read an article on Prevention Magazine’s website entitled "10 most useless exercise machines" As I was reading it, I became increasingly frustrated with incorrect information that was being put out there and felt the need to give my two cents.
In that article, the author recommend ditching the overhead shoulder press machine & substituting the lateral raise because "the machine is an unstable over head move that puts the shoulder at risk for injury". While I do agree that the overhead press does put the shoulder at risk for injury, I completely disagree that the lateral raise is a good substitute!!! In fact it is a terrible substitute.
Let’s start with what a lateral raise is. The lateral raise is a shoulder exercise where you hold dumbbells in each hand, raise both arms at the same time out to the side & upward no higher than level with the shoulders then lower to the starting position at the sides.
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What should you do then? A scapular plane raise. This puts the humerus in a better position and decreases the risk of impingement. To do this hold dumbbells in each hand with your arms in a V position and thumbs. Then raise both arms upward at the same time to shoulder height an then back down as shown in the photo above.
Rebecca LeSaffre is the owner of Lynnfield Boot Camp. She is an ACSM Certified Personal Trainer, a Fitness Nutrition Coach and a Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant. You can contact her via her web site www.lynnfieldbootcamp.com
