achines or other equipment to exercise the shoulders. A variety of shoulder exercises that use the body's own weight and range of motion increase strength and flexibility. Weightless shoulder exercises may also be performed on a daily basis to improve posture and for stress relief or to ease tension.Shoulder Arm Circles
Stand with your feet a little wider than shoulder-width apart, back straight and head tall. Extend the arms toward your sides to shoulder level. Start making circles in the air in a clockwise motion, keeping the elbows straight and hands flat. Circles don't have to be large, perhaps 6 inches in circumference. Repeat 50 arm circles in one direction and then switch to rotate the arms in the other direction for another 50 repetitions. You should feel the blood warming the shoulders and a slight burn in the cap of the shoulder. Keep the neck relaxed throughout.
Face-Down Shoulder Raise
Lie face down on the floor, placing the forehead on a small pillow or rolled up towel for comfort if you wish. Tighten the buttocks and place the feet together. Arms should be bent, elbows even with the shoulder, palms flat on the floor above head level, suggests Shoulder Exercises.com. Slowly raise the arms several inches off the floor, keeping the elbows bent. Hold that position for about 15 seconds and then lower and relax. Repeat this exercise three to five times or more, according to your strength and comfort level.
Push-Ups
Push-ups are a type of calisthenics exercise, which means a person uses his own body weight to perform the exercise. Push-ups are one of the best calisthenics exercises to build shoulder strength and stamina, says Body Building.com. Start by lying on the floor, face down. You can start your push up on your knees if you would like, or on your toes. Place the hands slightly above the shoulder and raise your body until only the hands and the knees or feet are touching the floor.
Keep the abdominal muscles pulled in, whichever style you're using. Keep your back straight, head aligned with the spine. Look slightly ahead of you on the floor, perhaps 12 to 18 inches to help keep your head level with your spine. Lower yourself toward the floor and then push yourself back up again. Some people touch their chest or nose to the floor, but the focus is to lower yourself until you feel the contraction in the shoulder and chest muscles. If you're a beginner, start with three to five push-ups, while others may do between five and 10 or more, as strength and conditioning allow.
Keep the abdominal muscles pulled in, whichever style you're using. Keep your back straight, head aligned with the spine. Look slightly ahead of you on the floor, perhaps 12 to 18 inches to help keep your head level with your spine. Lower yourself toward the floor and then push yourself back up again. Some people touch their chest or nose to the floor, but the focus is to lower yourself until you feel the contraction in the shoulder and chest muscles. If you're a beginner, start with three to five push-ups, while others may do between five and 10 or more, as strength and conditioning allow.
