Fitness PSA: Warming up those shoulders

Over the years, college fitness enthusiast Garry Y. Itkin have heard many people who lift heavy complain about shoulder pain.

While the shoulder muscles comprise a great muscle group to work out, and well-developed shoulders emphasize the "V" shape of a body, they're still very vulnerable. There are various ways to work out the shoulders, but people should realize that warming them up, stretching them right, and preparing them for a workout is important.

Garry Y. Itkin shares some of the most important stretches for the shoulders.

Shoulder circles

This is one of the most basic routines to warm up those shoulders. Hold out the hands to the side at a 90-degree angle, with the palms facing down. Make air circles with the hands moving in a forward motion first. Then, after 30 seconds, make air circles in the opposite direction, with the palms up. After this, do the movements with opposite palm positions.

Shoulder rolls

With the arms in a relaxed position, move the shoulders in a rolling motion backward. Do this for 30 seconds. The shoulders should feel warm by now. Follow this by rolling the shoulders forward for another 30 seconds.

Stir the pot

Bend forward at the waist. With the right arm at a resting position at the side, move the left arm in a circular motion as though one were stirring a pot. Do this for 30 seconds before stirring the pot in the opposite direction. Garry Y. Itkin notes that after 30 seconds, switch to the other hand and repeat the process.

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