In the third installment of our gym series we examine the proper ways to exercise at the gym from start to finish. If you have any sudden significant increase in pain, swelling, or discoloration while performing or following exercise, discontinue immediately and contact your therapist at your next therapy session.

SCAPULAR RETRACTION / ROW

START POSITION
• Standing or seated with back in neutral with feet shoulder width apart.
• Squeeze shoulder blades together.
• Elbows slightly bent and forearms parallel to the floor.

ENDING POSITION
• Elbows at 90⁰ flexion.
• Shoulders pulled back.
• Hands at your sides at shoulder width and forearms parallel to the floor.

DON’T
• Swing body back and forth.
• Let the weight pull you forward between repetitions (keep the shoulders back).
• Shrug.

ANTERIOR DELTOID – FRONTAL RAISE

START POSITION
• Standing with spine in neutral position with feet shoulder width apart.
• Palms facing down.

ENDING POSITION
• Arm raised to 90⁰ directly in front of you.
• Elbow in full extension.

DON’T
• Raise arm past 90 degrees.
• Swing body back and forth.
• Rotate wrist.
• Shrug shoulders.

LATERAL DELTOID – LATERAL RAISES

START POSITION
• Standing with spine in neutral position with feet shoulder width apart.
• Elbows bent at 90 degrees.

ENDING POSITION
• Arms raised to 90 degrees at your side.
• Palms facing down.

DON’T
• Raise arms past 90 degrees.
• Swing body back and forth.
• Shrug shoulders.

BENCH PRESS

START POSITION
• Lay flat on bench with both feet flat on the ground.
• Place a rolled towed in the center of the chest.
• Arms extended with wide grip to facilitate 90 degree bend at the elbow at the bottom of repetition.

ENDING POSITION
• Lower slowly until the bar touches the towel
• Elbows should not pass the height of the bench bending to about 90 degrees.

DON’T
• Lift feet off the ground.
• Arch your back.
• Bounce bar off your chest (barbell should only touch the towel lightly).

This information about exercise at the gym was written by STAR Therapy Services, an outpatient physical therapy group with six locations in Houston, Texas. At Star Houston Therapy Services, their number one priority is the patient. They strive to provide individualized treatment with hands-on, compassionate care. They perform comprehensive evaluations and encourage patient input for treatment planning and goal setting. For more information click here.

View the complete Exercising Do’s and Don’ts series below: