How to get massive shoulders

Getting massive shoulder muscles does not require a lot of secrets, but as a bodybuilder, you can follow a couple of effective shoulder routines to help build your shoulder muscles. The one thing to keep in mind is that when you put emphasis on overhead press and incorporate side lateral raises in your work routine, you can get maximum shoulder size.

Why aim for big shoulder muscles?

To get an impressive, muscular physique, well-developed shoulders are absolutely a must, as they make the body appear powerful, wide and immense, giving you a v-tapered look which all bodybuilders aim for. Your shoulder muscles give shape to your upper body and also provide proportion to the upper body, including your biceps and arms. Broad and massive shoulders make your body look perfect and are every bodybuilders dream.

Exercises for massive shoulders

A number of exercises need to be carried out to build massive shoulders. They should be made part of the daily workout routine. However, if you plan to focus on one body part each day of the week, then you will need to do these exercises only a couple of times every week, to prevent over working your shoulder muscles.

Overhead Lifts – The first thing to do to get big shoulders is to focus more on overhead lifts. These include shoulder press, behind the neck press and the Arnold Press. All these movements require you to lift heavy weights, which is the key to building muscles rapidly.

Military Press – The military press requires you to raise a barbell or two dumbbells to the shoulders, with your knuckles facing the ceiling. Once in control, you can raise the bar above your head, extending your arms fully before lowering down to repeat.

Lateral Raises – Slightly different from the military press, the lateral raises require you to grab two dumbbells at the sides with your knuckles facing the ground. Slowly raise your arms to shoulder height or going a little above, keeping your arms straight all the time before lowering down and repeating.

Lying Lateral Press – Lye down with your face down on the bench holding dumbbells with your arms hanging by your side. Raise your arms, bringing them parallel to your shoulders before lowering and repeating.

Arnold Press – The Arnold Press also requires dumbbells, and starts like the Military Press. Keep your knuckles facing upward, but your palms facing you, so when you push towards the ceiling, your arms and palms face away from you.

Other shoulder exercises include Behind the Neck Press, Bent-Over Lateral Raises, Upright Rows and Bent-Over Rows which work for both the chest and shoulder muscles. Like other muscles of the body, you will have to work to build your shoulder muscles. Make sure you enjoy your exercises and do not over train yourself. Focus on other muscle groups around the shoulders as well along with these shoulder exercises to have a perfect body. Also, be sure to supplement your diet with health and protein supplements including proteinpulver, protein shakes, protein bars and protein drinks which you can take before, during or after your training sessions.