Upper Body Power & Shoulder Stability
(Week 2, Power Sprint Program)Day Overview
This session targets explosive upper body strength with an emphasis on shoulder stability to prevent injuries and improve overall athleticism. Heavy pressing and pulling movements are combined with stability work to bulletproof shoulders and develop muscle mass.
Exercises
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• bench press
barbell bench press
Prescribed Sets:
Perform 4 sets of 6-8 reps at RPE 8. Focus on controlled descent and explosive push to maximize strength transfer.
Working Sets:
4
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• Pull-Ups
To perform a pull-up, start by hanging from a pull-up bar with your hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart, palms facing away from you. Engage your core and pull your body upward until your chin is above the bar. Keep your elbows close to your body and avoid swinging or using momentum. Lower yourself back to the starting position with control. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.
Prescribed Sets:
Perform 4 sets of 8 reps at RPE 8. Use full range of motion, controlled tempo, and focus on scapular stability.
Working Sets:
4
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• Dumbbell Overhead Press
Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, holding a dumbbell in each hand at shoulder height with palms facing forward. Engage your core and keep your back straight. Press the dumbbells overhead by extending your arms fully, ensuring your elbows are slightly in front of your shoulders. Keep your wrists stable and avoid arching your lower back. Lower the dumbbells back to shoulder height in a controlled manner, maintaining proper form throughout. Focus on smooth, controlled movements and avoid using momentum.
Prescribed Sets:
Perform 4 sets of 8 reps at RPE 8. Keep shoulders stable and avoid shrugging to protect shoulder joints.
Working Sets:
4
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• face pull
cable face pull with external rotation
Prescribed Sets:
Perform 3 sets of 12 reps at RPE 8. Focus on scapular retraction and external rotation to strengthen rotator cuff and shoulder stability.
Working Sets:
3
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• Dumbbell Side Lateral Raise
To perform the Dumbbell Side Lateral Raise, start by standing upright with a dumbbell in each hand, arms at your sides. Keep your feet shoulder-width apart and maintain a slight bend in your elbows. Engage your core and ensure your back is straight. Slowly raise the dumbbells out to the sides until your arms are parallel to the ground, keeping your elbows slightly bent. Hold for a moment at the top of the movement, then lower the weights back to the starting position in a controlled manner. Avoid swinging the weights and focus on using your shoulder muscles to lift.
Prescribed Sets:
Perform 3 sets of 12 reps at RPE 8. Use light weight, controlled movement to build shoulder bulletproofing.
Working Sets:
3
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• Reverse Pec Deck Fly
Sit facing the reverse pec deck machine with your chest against the pad and grasp the handles with your arms extended. Keep a slight bend in your elbows and pull the handles outward and backward, squeezing your rear shoulder muscles. Maintain a controlled motion, avoiding using momentum. Focus on keeping your shoulders down and back throughout the movement. Slowly return to the starting position with control. Keep your movements smooth and deliberate to maximize muscle engagement and prevent injury.
Prescribed Sets:
Perform 3 sets of 12 reps at RPE 8. Focus on rear deltoid activation for shoulder health.
Working Sets:
3
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• Ab Crunch Machine
Sit on the crunch machine with your back flat against the pad and feet secured under the foot pads. Place your hands behind your head or across your chest. Engage your core and curl your upper body forward by contracting your abdominal muscles, bringing your chest closer to your knees. Keep your neck in a neutral position and avoid pulling on your neck with your hands. Exhale as you crunch, then slowly return to the starting position while inhaling. Maintain controlled movement throughout to maximize engagement of the abdominal muscles.
Prescribed Sets:
Perform 3 sets of 15 reps at RPE 8. Engage core fully to support spinal health.
Working Sets:
3
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• Side Plank
Hold body in straight line supported on one forearm and side of foot.
Prescribed Sets:
Hold for 45 seconds per side at RPE 8. Focus on core stability and shoulder alignment.
Working Sets:
3