If you’re about to get started on a new workout program or are already doing one underway, one thing that you need to pay attention to is your shoulder health. Far too many people aren’t executing their exercises properly and wind up in significant shoulder pain, which isn’t going to go away any time soon.

The unfortunate thing is that shoulder pain tends to last a long time before getting better – if it gets better at all, so it’s not something to take lightly.

Fortunately, with a bit of care, you can easily save your shoulders and make sure that you complete each workout with ease into the future.

Let’s go over the main points to remember.

Lift Heavy – But Know Your Limits

First, you should be lifting heavy throughout your workouts as this is one of the best ways to ensure good results. That said, know your limits.

Don’t push it if it means using improper form. Nothing is worth rising poor form as this is the fastest way to guarantee you wind up injured quickly.

Focus on performing the exercise slowly to increase the intensity and maximize your results at your current weight.

Watch Your Form On Chest Fly’s

Second, make sure you are careful when performing chest fly’s. This is one exercise where form tends to be easily compromised as people will allow themselves to lower the weight too far, which immediately places great strain on the shoulder joints.

Only go down until parallel or slightly above that. This will keep you safe and still allow you to get great results from the exercise.

Shoulder Press Directly Upwards

For the shoulder press exercise, the focus here needs to be on pressing the weight directly upwards. Some people make the mistake of pressing it too far backward as they lift it above their head or allowing it to move forward.

Both are going to place strain on the shoulder joint.

Instead, press it directly upwards so it’s straight up into the air.  Hold it there for a brief movement, before lowering it down.

Be Careful With Lateral Raises

Finally, be very careful when performing lateral raises. You don’t want to go higher than 90 degrees and some people may want to consider skipping this one altogether. It is more prone to lead to shoulder pain if you aren’t careful, so be sure that you’re watching for any sort of discomfort.

If you feel some, stop and discontinue the movement.

So keep these tips in mind so that you can maintain a pain-free shoulder workout session.