Upper Body Strength & Stability
(Week 16, Power Sprint Program)Day Overview
This session targets maximal shoulder and upper back strength with an emphasis on stability and injury prevention. Heavy compound lifts combined with stability work to bulletproof shoulders and improve overall athleticism.
Exercises
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• Barbell Overhead Press
The Barbell Overhead Press, also known as the Military Press, is a compound exercise performed by standing or seated with a barbell at shoulder level. Grip the barbell slightly wider than shoulder-width, keep your core engaged, and press the bar overhead until your arms are fully extended. Lower the bar back to shoulder level in a controlled manner. Maintain a neutral spine, avoid overarching your lower back, and keep your elbows slightly in front of the bar during the movement. This exercise primarily targets the shoulder muscles, specifically the deltoids, and also engages the triceps, upper chest, and core for stabilization.
Prescribed Sets:
Perform 4 sets of 4-6 reps with an RPE of 9. Use a safety squat bar or barbell, focus on strict form and shoulder stability. Explosive but controlled movement to build resilient shoulders.
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 6-8 reps with an RPE of 8. Use a full range of motion, focus on scapular retraction and shoulder engagement to strengthen upper back and shoulders.
Working Sets:
4
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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 with an RPE of 8. Keep movement controlled to target lateral delts and improve shoulder stability.
Working Sets:
3
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• face pull
cable face pull with external rotation
Prescribed Sets:
Perform 3 sets of 12-15 reps with an RPE of 8. Focus on scapular retraction and rear deltoid activation to support shoulder health.
Working Sets:
3
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• Dumbbell Shrugs
Stand upright holding a dumbbell in each hand with arms fully extended at your sides. Keep your back straight and shoulders back. Slowly elevate your shoulders as high as possible, squeezing the trapezius muscles at the top of the movement. Hold briefly, then lower your shoulders back to the starting position in a controlled manner. Maintain a neutral head position and avoid using your arms to lift the weights—focus on shoulder elevation. Breathe out as you shrug and breathe in as you lower.
Prescribed Sets:
Perform 3 sets of 10-12 reps with an RPE of 8. Strengthens traps and supports shoulder stability.
Working Sets:
3
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• Reverse Pec-Dec
Sit on the reverse pec deck machine with your chest against the pad and grasp the handles with your arms extended forward. Keep your back flat against the pad and your feet flat on the floor. Pull the handles outward and backward, squeezing your rear shoulder muscles as you bring your arms apart. Maintain a controlled motion, avoiding using momentum, and slowly return to the starting position. Keep your movements smooth and focus on engaging the rear deltoids throughout the exercise.
Prescribed Sets:
Perform 3 sets of 12 reps with an RPE of 8. Focus on rear delts and upper back to improve shoulder resilience.
Working Sets:
3
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• Ab Wheel Rollout
Kneel holding ab wheel, roll forward extending body, roll back contracting abs.
Prescribed Sets:
Perform 3 sets of 10-12 reps with an RPE of 8. Builds core stability essential for athletic movements and injury prevention.
Working Sets:
3
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• Superman Hold
Lie face down on the floor with arms extended overhead and legs straight. Simultaneously lift your arms, chest, and legs off the ground, engaging your lower back, glutes, and core. Keep your neck in a neutral position by looking down. Hold this position for a specified duration, then slowly lower back to the starting position. Focus on maintaining a steady breath and avoiding any jerky movements. Keep your movements controlled to maximize engagement of the posterior chain.
Prescribed Sets:
Hold for 30 seconds, 3 times. Enhances lower back and shoulder stability, supporting injury resilience.
Working Sets:
3