Shoulder Flexion (Strength)

  1. Stand up straight with your feet in a split stance or slightly wider than hip width apart, and hold a hand weight in each hand. Your healthcare provider will tell you what size hand weights to use. Hold your arms down at your sides with your palms facing back, and the weights resting on the fronts of your thighs.

  2. Look straight ahead. Slowly raise one arm straight up in front of you. As your arm nears shoulder level, slowly rotate your arm slightly upwards so the inside edge of the hand weight points slightly up. Continue raising the hand weight until your arm is at shoulder level. Keep your elbow straight but not locked. Hold for 1 second, then lower your arm to the starting position. Repeat 5 times.

  3. Repeat this exercise with the other arm. 

  4. Do this exercise 3 times a day.

Man doing front raise arm lifts with hand weights.

 Tip

Don’t swing the weights. Use slow, controlled movements. If you start to arch your back or flex or extend your wrists, the weight may be too heavy.