Build Shoulder Strength with Tomahawk Raise

Tomahawk Raise

Rep Range

10-20

Hints

The Tomahawk Raise, even without dumbbells, can be an effective exercise for shoulder mobility and warming up the deltoids, especially if performed with deliberate control. Begin by standing upright, feet shoulder-width apart for balance. Press your palms firmly together in front of your thighs. This will be your starting position. With your hands still pressed together, lift your arms in a straight path in front of you, continuing until they are fully extended above your head, pointing towards the ceiling. Maintain a steady pace, ensuring that the entire movement is controlled and deliberate. At the top of the motion, ensure your biceps are close to your ears and you're reaching as high as you can without shrugging your shoulders. Slowly return your hands to the starting position, retracing the path they took upwards. Maintaining the pressing motion between the palms can introduce an isometric aspect to the exercise, increasing muscle engagement even without the resistance of dumbbells.

Common Mistakes

Avoid rushing the movement; speed can lead to reduced muscle engagement and less effective warm-ups. Ensure you don't arch your back as you raise your arms, as this can lead to lower back strain. It's essential to keep the core engaged throughout.

Breathing

Inhale as you begin to raise your arms. Exhale slowly and steadily as you reach the top of the movement. Inhale again as you lower your hands back to the starting position. Incorporating the Tomahawk Raise into your routine can help improve shoulder flexibility and strength, especially as a warm-up or cool-down exercise.

Muscle Focus

Primary Muscles

Front Shoulders, Middle Shoulders

Secondary Muscles

Traps

Tertiary Muscles

Rear Shoulders