Work It – Upper Body Strength & Stability

Get ready to work your upperbody in this week’s featured workout.

WORK IT WEDNESDAY WILL FEATURE A NEW WORKOUT FOR YOU, ESPECIALLY BENEFICIAL FOR OUR DANCERS!

We haven’t done a good upper body workout in a while, so here it comes, and it’s not easy. Upper body stability and control is very important in dance, especially at the shoulder. This one is tough and your shoulders will likely be burning. If you have time, I would pair this with a lower body focused workout for a complete session.

For this workout try 30 seconds of work, then 30 seconds of rest, going through one set of each move. Then rest 60-90 seconds and repeat 2 more times.

  • Bridge Pullover: Start laying on your back, and carefully rotate to grab a moderate weight. Then get into a bridge position (core tight, no hyperextension in low back). Hold the bridge as you press the weight overhead, then slowly lower it to the ground over your head without letting ribs flare. Only go as low as comfortable as shoulders will need to get used to the movement.
  • Bent Over Rear Delt Raise: Holding 2 light dumbbells, bend over from the waist until your back is about parallel with the floor. Hold this position with a tight core (ribs toward spine), then slowly raise and lower weights out to your side, keeping shoulders away from your ears. Focus on not letting your shoulder tilt forward either.
  • Med Ball Walk On/Off: This one isn’t easy, so go slow. Place a heavy medicine ball in front of you as you get into a plank position. Holding a tight core position (lower back flat, limited hip sway/rotation), step one hand onto the ball, then the other. Pause. Then walk hands off. Alternate either each rep, or switch which hand is first in the next set. Wider feet makes this easier and more narrow feet position will increase the challenge. If too hard, instead of a ball, place a small step between your hands for more stability.

Work It Wednesday will feature a new workout  to improve your performance & help prevent injuries in dance! Let us know what you think below!

To keep up with our videos, follow along here or on any of our social media platforms.

Scott DPT
#BeyondCrunchesandPilés

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Group Information and Equipment Guidelines

Review the information below to find out which track is the right one for you. You can also watch this video that walks you through the options.

Once you have chosen your track you can submit the form at the bottom of this page. Select one and only one option, please.

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Group 1:

If you have access to equipment such as free weights, any cardio equipment (rower, stairs, treadmill, bike, etc.), and other things common in a fitness center, “Group 1” is for you!

  • You could also run rather than use cardio equipment
  • Options to include steps, med balls, etc. included, but these are optional

Group 2:

If you’re primarily doing this at home, with resistance bands (though a few small weights can easily be added if you have them), but still can use stairs, bike, run, or have some cardio equipment access, select “Group 2”

Group 3:

Lastly, If you don’t like to run, and don’t have access to any cardio (no stairs, bikes, or lap pools) then the last option is for you! “Group 3”

  • You will still get cardio, but in the form of exercises, you can do in a single room. This option was made specifically for COVID and people who can’t easily get outside.

Group 4:

This program is made specifically for the demands of male dancers, taking into account some extra work for upper body to support partnering, extra stability for the lower back, etc. This option is similar to group 1 in terms of equipment need.

  • If you need a band only option, please consider the co-ed options of group 2 or 3.” If you need a band only option, please consider the co-ed options of group 2 or 3.

No track is better than the other, you will get results regardless. You can find more information about the equipment requirements for each track by scrolling down.

Equipment Guidelines

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