Many a times, fitness enthusiasts become so engrossed in building bigger biceps that they neglect their shoulders. Shoulders are what give a better physique the cutting edge over average ones. It is perfectly shaped shoulder muscles that give the upper torso a unique, powerful visual appeal.

THE MOVES FOR BOULDER SHOULDERS

• The Shrug (muscle worked: Trapezius)

Hold a dumbbell in each hand, standing on your feet shoulder-width apart.

Keeping the back straight, raise your shoulders as high and near your ears as possible.

Tense your neck and pause the shoulders at the top of the movement.

Slowly bring back the shoulders to the starting position.

• Lateral raise (muscles worked:rear deltoids)

Crouch with your knees together, holding dumbbells.

Lean forward and press your abs onto your thighs with the chest raised and hands at your ankles.

Raise the dumbbells till the shoulders are leveled. Pause and then lower the shoulders to the starting position.

Ensure that your back is straight throughout the movement and shoulders relaxed.

• Front raises (muscle worked:upper chest)

Stand erect with feet slightly apart, holding a light dumbbell in each hand.

Arms should be at the sides and palms towards you.

Keeping the arms straight, slowly raise the weights out in front of you until they are parallel to the floor.

Simultaneosly, keep rotating your wrists until your palms face downwards.

Reverse the movement after a pause.

• Shoulder press (muscle worked: entire shoulders)

Hold a dumbbell in each hand with your feet shoulder width apart, keeping the knees bent slightly.

Raise them on either side of your head till they are in line with the shoulders.

Straighten your elbows to press the weights above your head until your arms are straight but not locked.

Slowly lower the weight back to your shoulders along the same path. Wink at yourself in the gym mirror.

Following these four exercises for your shoulders workout in a well planned fitness schedule can work wonders for your shoulders, especially if these are not that strong compared to other parts or muscles of the body. The shoulders if well developed can ease of many physical problems and muscle tensions while performing heavy actions. Boulder shoulders are indeed a must for a person desiring an overall workout.