Strengthen the Rotator Cuff for Excellent Military Fitness

In the military, why would you want big bulky muscles? To get in shape for the military (and basic training), try strengthening your rotator cuffs. Most people think that big bulky muscles equal strength, when in fact the opposite is true in the military.

Extra muscle means extra weight, and you don’t want extra weight. You want defined muscles capable of repetitive movements. Your goal is to have enough muscle to push and pull your body weight repetitively with the least amount of resistance (extra weight) as possible. Extra weight will only wear you down. Leave the beach body for later, this article will allow you to increase your repetition counts for upper body movements considerably.

The rotator cuff is the supporting structure of the shoulder which consists of the muscles and tendons that attach the arm to the shoulder. Basically, it allows the arm to move. A strong rotator cuff is great for being able to do repetitive push-ups. Rotator cuff exercises are a part of my daily workout routine and I can easily do 100+ push-ups in a row without stopping. Take a look at this video for some great rotator cuff strengthening exercises, which has increased my push-up count considerably.

SGT Michael Volkin is the author of The Ultimate Basic Training Guidebook: Tips, Tricks, and Tactics for Boot Camp Survival.

Comments

[#1 Posted by: Lynna]

Excellent info and very useful video. Bulky muscles are definitely overrated..

Looking forward to more of your resources!

[#2 Posted by: George]

My nephew is applying for the Rangers program. He has been living at the gym lately and has been faithfully pursuing weight training along with martial arts. I will absolutely point him to this site. Very precise and practical fitness information.

Thanks

George

[#3 Posted by: chopra center]

Hi

U r right SGT Volkin. I am agree with ur suggestions. There is no need of bulky muscles in military. there needs only military fitness and training.

[#4 Posted by: B Miller]

On the nose; I had a dedicated musclehead on my team, could flip tractor tires and hump a 65 lb ruck all day. I sent him to Air Assault and he washed on day 0... couldn't pull 240 lbs of muscle up the rope. He deployed, dropped 60 and wizzed thru when he got back (quit breaking decent speed records under a parachute as well).

[#5 Posted by: army fitness]

Nice info...Your army fitness physical training Leading Resource For army fitness physical training Articles

[#6 Posted by: anonymissqt]

I just love Pilates! I’m glad I switched to Pilates from weight training. My muscles are not bulky from doing Pilates exercises. I read this article on http://www.pilates-machines.net/pilates/know-the-benefits-of-pilates that tells you all about the benefits of Pilates. Visit this blog and make the switch to Pilates too.

[#7 Posted by: Rusty Schimelpfening]

Great tip. As an over the road truck driver who bikes about 200 miles a month I am always looking for workouts that are useful while driving. The 1st 2 can easily be done while driving. I use a 3lb jar of peanut butter Thanks

[#8 Posted by: playertwo]

back in '83 the rip tacs called it "tiger meat".
he has a point pvt pyle.