[Luscious Lou]

This was always an enigmatic topic my friend and I would argue about. He'd always say "we need to use DB's every so often to work the stabilizer muscles, they'll make you stronger." I always thought it was a bunch bull honky doo-doo. I agreed with him about switching to DB's once in a while but for different reasons. so I'd thought I share a lil something something with ya guys. Tell me what ya think

Understanding So-Called Stabilizer Muscles >> Medical Questions, Weight Loss, Pregnancy, Drugs, Health Insurance

[42gunz]

stabilizers are just as important... with out them you will be more prone to injury and muscles imbalances

[ZiR RED]

I might be the biggest advocate of dumbbells alive.

I might also sound like a broken record or nagging grandmother as I tote core and stability training over and over again on the forums.

That said (entire grandma with a broom stick) you are only as strong as your weakest link. And if you have weak links, they will most certainly catch up and derail you over the long haul.

I think the most neglected by bodybuilders, and yet the easiest muscles to strengthen, are those of the rotator cuff.

First off, barbells and machines restrict the natural glenohumoral (your shoulder joint) rotation that takes place with any pressing exercise. For this reason, I advocate primarily dumbbell work. Not only do you have the natural rotation, but a greater amount of ancillary muscles are recruited to stabilize the weight. Furthermore, the greater range of motion also recruits more ancillary muscles. And lastly, you eliminate the dominant side in the movement, creating greater symmetry.

Secondly, a set or two to fatigue of internal rotations, external rotations, and lateral raises with resistance bands twice a week is all you need to strengthen the muscles of the rotator cuff.

Br