Upper Body Max Strength & Shoulder Stability

(Week 10, Power Sprint Program)
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Day Overview

This session targets maximal upper body strength with an emphasis on shoulder stability to prevent injuries and improve durability. Heavy compound lifts are combined with accessory work to reinforce shoulder health, focusing on explosive power transfer and hypertrophy.

Exercises

  • bench press

    barbell bench press

    Prescribed Sets:

    Perform 4 sets of 4-6 reps at RPE 9. Use a grip that emphasizes shoulder stability, and focus on explosive concentric movement. Rest 2-3 minutes. This builds pressing strength and shoulder resilience.

    Working Sets:

    4

  • 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 6-8 reps at RPE 8-9. Focus on full range of motion and controlled descent. Use weight belt if necessary. Enhances upper back and shoulder stability.

    Working Sets:

    4

  • overhead press

    barbell overhead press

    Prescribed Sets:

    Perform 4 sets of 4-6 reps at RPE 9. Prioritize strict form to reinforce shoulder stability and strength. Rest 2-3 minutes.

    Working Sets:

    4

  • Bent-Over Barbell Rows

    Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, holding a barbell with an overhand grip. Bend at the hips while keeping your back flat and core engaged, allowing the barbell to hang at arm's length. Pull the barbell towards your lower chest or upper abdomen by squeezing your back muscles, keeping elbows close to your body. Lower the barbell back to the starting position in a controlled manner. Maintain a slight bend in the knees and avoid rounding your back throughout the movement. Keep your head in line with your spine and avoid using momentum to lift the weight.

    Prescribed Sets:

    Perform 4 sets of 6-8 reps at RPE 8. Keep back flat and core engaged to maximize upper back and shoulder stability, supporting injury prevention.

    Working Sets:

    4

  • face pull

    cable face pull with external rotation

    Prescribed Sets:

    Perform 3 sets of 12 reps at RPE 7-8. Focus on scapular retraction and external rotation to strengthen rotator cuff and shoulder stability.

    Working Sets:

    3

  • 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 7-8. Use controlled motion to build shoulder hypertrophy and stability.

    Working Sets:

    3

  • 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 7. Focus on controlled contraction to strengthen core and support shoulder health.

    Working Sets:

    3

  • 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 7-8. Emphasize rear deltoid activation for shoulder stability and injury prevention.

    Working Sets:

    3

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