Topic

Shoulder-Friendly Upper Body Day

Press and pull selections that train hard while respecting cranky shoulders.

Overview

Shoulder-friendly does not mean easy forever — it means smarter angles, neutral grips, and balanced pulling. Keep progressive tension while reducing painful positions.

Weekly schedule

  • Upper (shoulder-friendly)— Neutral presses + pulls

    • Neutral-grip DB press
    • Chest-supported row
    • Landmine or machine press
    • Face pulls
    • Short biceps / triceps

Set and rep guidance

Avoid grinding through sharp pain. Use ranges that feel stable; machines and DBs often help.

Progression

Rebuild pressing volume gradually. Extra rear-delt and upper-back work often helps tolerance.

Who it's for

Lifters with cranky shoulders who still want upper-body progress.

FAQ

Is this medical advice?
No — see a clinician for injuries or persistent pain.
Behind-the-neck work?
Usually skip if shoulders are irritated.
Can I still overhead press?
Try landmine, neutral DB, or machines first.

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