Bryce Hastings breaks down upright rows.

It’s been tarnished as a shoulder wrecker and called out as the one move that will destroy your shoulders. Not true. Those who bad-mouth the upright row should simply consider other technique options.

With so much criticism around upright rows, it’s little surprise many believe should be scratched from your workout regime. After all, there are other ways to strengthen your traps and deltoids, right? Think again. Rather than ditch them, upright rows are one move you really want to master. This is because the upright row movement is a key element of the clean and press – so you can’t get all the functional strength benefits from a safe and effective clean and press without mastering the upright row.

The main issue with upright rows is the risk of shoulder impingement. Generally, shoulder impingement occurs when you internally rotate the shoulder (roll it forward slightly) and then lift it out to the side. When you do this movement, a crest of bone at the top of the humerus (the upper arm bone) hits a bone projecting outward from the scapula (also known as the shoulder blade). When these two bony prominences come together, impingement occurs, and this can create shoulder pain.

Shoulder impingement is a direct result of the technique used.

The first issue is having your hands too close together. If your hands are too narrowly placed your shoulders will be internally rotated as you raise the bar up. Not only will it look ridiculous, it will increase the chance of impingement – the internal rotation as you lift will bring those two bony prominences together.
The second issue is having a scapula that’s protracted (shoulders rounded forward). This will bring the top of the scapula down, so that as you raise the bar and the humerus lifts, once again, there’s a high likelihood that those two bony prominences will impact.
The third issue is the height of the pull. If you pull the bar right up under your chin it’s no good. Lifting your elbows above your shoulders is another road to increase the likelihood of shoulder impingement.

The right way to upright row

Have your hands wide – at about hip width. If your hands are wide there’s less chance of internal rotation.
Draw the shoulder blades back and stabilize them as you lift the bar. This will help you keep the top end of the shoulder blade out of the way.
Limit how high you lift the bar. Only ever lift the bar to the lower ribs, with your elbows in line with shoulder level.

Article by Bryce Hastings supplied by Les Mills International