I offer my arm/shoulder routine for those who want stronger arms and shoulders. This workout also helps prevent/rehabilitate shoulder problems. I am so pleased with the results that I still find it hard to believe that it works so well. Over the last 30 years, I have tried a lot of arm routines, but this one is the best. The windmills are the primary exercise. I have a dedicated arm day once a week and work the arms to near exhaustion. It takes a good 45 minutes or more.
INCLINE PRESSES: I start with incline presses on a 45 degree bench. I use it because there are no steeper ones. But it seems to be a good angle. Yesterday I did the following sets/weights: 45x3, 115x3, 185x3, 235x3, 265x3, 275x3, 285x2, 290x3, 255x5, 255x5. I have been doing incline presses for about 4 months, having started with about 225. Prior to this, I only did windmills over the last 4 years. I started inclines again to vary my routine, and continued with them when I found they do not hurt my shoulders.
WINDMILLS: Next I do the windmills on a flat bench with dumbells (works like a swimming back stroke-10 reps in the Biceps direction-then reverse the rotation and do 10 reps in the Triceps direction ). I injured my shoulder so badly 4 years ago that I stopped doing full snatches and have done only power snatches since then. The windmills have helped me rebuild/maintain my shoulders. I hope to try full snatches again in competition if all goes well over the next 5 months. If you haven't tried windmills, you can't possibly know how hard they are. They are great for stretching the shoulders and building strength in all muscle groups of the shoulders and arms. If I were a body builder, I would do them all the time because they work so effectively. Once a week heavy should be enough for any olympic lifter. They should be done lightly (5-15#) before every workout for stretching the shoulders/avoiding rotator cuff injuries.
I only do the bicep set of 10 up to 25 pounds-it bulks up the biceps too much for the olympic lifts if you do too much more:
Both Directions: 5#x10x2, 10x10x2, 15x10x2, 20x10x2, 25x10x2, Triceps Only Direction: 30x10, 35x10, 40x10, 45x10, 50x10
Try to keep your arms straight with the weights as long as you can: this really works the shoulders. As the weight gets heavier, you'll find yourself doing tricep extensions and curls. By the end of the workout, your biceps and triceps will be pumped. Because of this exercise, I have never had bigger arms or shoulders than I do now.
OVERHEAD SQUATS. I am working on my snatch bottom position and arms/shoulder strength and positioning using these. These are tough, but a great exercise. Especially tough after a long arm workout. The point is to be able to do these when you are tired so that you really work on exercising control and getting into position.
MILITARY PRESSES: If I am ambitious, I sometimes finish my workout with military presses. I find that these are actually easy to do when I am warmed up from Inclines and windmills. I jump quick and burn out quick however. I usually work up to around 265-285 for single or a double. I usually do rack jerks on another day.
WINDMILLS ILLUSTRATED
By: J.V. Askem
NOTE: When starting a new exercise, always proceed with caution using light weights. On willmills, dumbbells are the implements of choice. However, if your dumbbells don't go low enough in weight, a pair of 2 1/2 lb or 5 lb plates will suffice.
Step 8: At the finished position. The same position as step 1. Then repeat the steps 1 through 7 for 10 reps total. NOTE: To perform windmills in the other direction, just follow steps 8 through 1 backwards.
FINAL NOTE: I've had several E mails from trainees who have had good succcess doing windmills in the standing position. So it goes to prove, "nothing is written in stone".
All the best with your training. JVA