Dumbbell External Rotation
Strengthen your rotator cuffs with Dumbbell External Rotation! Improve shoulder stability & prevent injury with this simple exercise.
The Dumbbell External Rotation mainly works the shoulders. You'll need: dumbbells.
Required Equipment

Dumbbell External Rotation Muscles Worked
Primary
Rotator Cuff (infraspinatus); Small Rotator (teres minor)
Secondary
Front Shoulder (anterior deltoid); Side Shoulder (lateral deltoid)
Dumbbell External Rotation Variations and Alternatives
How to do the Dumbbell External Rotation
Set your stance: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, maintaining good posture with your chest up and shoulders back.
Prepare the weights: Hold a dumbbell in one hand, and place the other hand on top of it to stabilize it. Keep your elbows close to your sides.
Perform the rotation: Move the hand holding the dumbbell away from your other hand while keeping your elbows fixed in place by your sides. The movement should be focused on the shoulder, rotating externally.
Extend to endpoint: Continue rotating the dumbbell outward until your forearm is parallel with the ground or as far as your range of motion allows without straining.
Pause and return: Pause briefly at the top of the rotation, then slowly return the dumbbell to the starting position in a controlled manner.
Switch arms: Perform the desired number of repetitions, then repeat the exercise with the opposite arm.
Remember to start with a light weight to ensure you are using proper form and to prevent injury. It's important to keep the movement controlled throughout the exercise, avoiding any jerky motions.
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Dumbbell External Rotation FAQs
What muscles does the Dumbbell External Rotation work?
The Dumbbell External Rotation mainly works the shoulders. The main muscles are the infraspinatus and teres minor.
What equipment do you need for the Dumbbell External Rotation?
Dumbbells.
What workout day should the Dumbbell External Rotation go on?
It belongs on push day in a push/pull/legs routine.
What are some Dumbbell External Rotation variations and alternatives?
Similar exercises include the Arm-Up Rotator Stretch, Bodyweight Lying Shoulder External Rotation, Bodyweight Standing Scapular External Rotation and Cable Kneeling Shoulder External Rotation.
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