8 Muscle Groups You Can't Ignore

Photo by: Jessica Smith

Rotator Cuff

It's important to strengthen the link between your arms and your trunk-the rotator cuff, Richey says. "Strengthening the rotator cuff will help limit shoulder injuries for those that are beginning or advancing their upper-body strength training ."

Best Exercise: Straight-Arm Plank to Side Plank
Start kneeling on all fours with both hands under your shoulders. Extend both legs out behind you, feet hip-width ... more 

Photo by: Jessica Smith

Rotator Cuff

It's important to strengthen the link between your arms and your trunk-the rotator cuff, Richey says. "Strengthening the rotator cuff will help limit shoulder injuries for those that are beginning or advancing their upper-body strength training ."

Best Exercise: Straight-Arm Plank to Side Plank
Start kneeling on all fours with both hands under your shoulders. Extend both legs out behind you, feet hip-width apart and toes tucked under into a straight-arm plank. Hold this plank position for 10 seconds. Next, shift all your body weight to the right arm and rotate your entire left side up toward the ceiling, turning and stacking your feet on top of each other and extending your left arm up to the ceiling so your whole body faces the left. Hold for 5 seconds, slowly lower back to straight-arm plank, and then rotate to the right side and repeat the hold. Work your way up to three sets of holding each plank position. less