Do you dream of having toned, sculpted shoulders but don't know where to start?
As a woman, it can be challenging to find the right exercises that help you achieve your desired look without being afraid you’ll end up bulky.
Lucky for you, we've compiled a list of the best shoulder workouts perfect for women who want lean, defined muscles.
These exercises are so simple you can do them at home or the gym and they will help you achieve the toned look you've dreamed of.
So, let's build strong and sexy shoulders!
Should Women Do Shoulder Workouts?
Shoulder workouts are not just for men; they are also beneficial for women.
In fact, adding shoulder exercises to your dumbbell workout routine can help you achieve a lean, toned look and provide tons of other benefits - like feeling confident in a strapless top at the beach or a spaghetti strap when working out.
Women often avoid shoulder workouts because they fear they will have bulky, masculine shoulders.
However, this is a misconception.
Aesthetic Benefits
Shoulder exercises give women defined, attractive, and balanced physiques with toned deltoid muscles that create a round shoulder shape and the illusion of a smaller waist.
Additionally, these exercises improve overall body composition by reducing body fat and increasing muscle mass, leading to a leaner, more toned appearance.
Strength and Posture Benefits
Aesthetic benefits aren't the only thing that shoulder workouts offer. They can also provide several strength and posture benefits.
Strong shoulders are essential for everyday activities like carrying groceries and lifting heavy objects. Can you say independent?!
Shoulder exercises help strengthen the muscles in the upper back, shoulders, and chest, improving overall upper body strength.
Developing a strong back and shoulders can help pull your shoulders back, open up your chest, and create a more upright posture. Improved posture looks better but also helps prevent pain and injuries, such as neck and back pain.
How to Achieve Lean and Toned Shoulders?
Achieving lean and toned shoulders requires a combination of strength training and cardio exercises.
First, you should start by incorporating various shoulder exercises into your workout routine, targeting all three heads of the deltoid muscles.
Exercises like dumbbell shoulder presses, lateral raises, and front raises are great for building shoulder strength and size.
How Heavy Should I Lift?
When lifting weights, focus on using lighter weights with higher reps to achieve lean, toned muscles.
Use weights that are challenging but that you can do 12 reps per set. If you can easily complete more than 15 reps, it's time to increase the weight.
Using weights that are too heavy can cause injury, and if your goal is more physique based - there's really no need to go extremely heavy.
How Many Reps Should I Do?
In general, women should aim to perform anywhere from 6-12 reps per set when doing shoulder exercises.
This rep range is ideal for building lean muscle mass(1). If you're new to lifting weights, focus on your form first and then increase weights over time.
As you get more comfortable with exercises, you can decrease the reps and up the weight.
Always take the time to listen to your body to avoid pushing yourself too hard, as overexertion can lead to injury.
What are the Best Shoulder Workouts for Women?
When it comes to shoulder workouts for women, a variety of exercises can help you achieve a lean, toned look.
Here are some of the best and favorite shoulder workouts for women:
Dumbbell Shoulder Press
This exercise targets the entire shoulder, including the front, middle, and rear delts.
Hold a dumbbell in both hands at shoulder level to perform the exercise and push them overhead while keeping your core engaged.
Lateral Raises
Lateral raises target the middle and rear delts, helping to create a rounded, defined look.
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart to perform the exercise, holding a dumbbell in each hand. Raise both arms out to the side, and keep them straight until parallel to the ground.
Front Raises
Front raises target the front delts and can help create a defined angular look.
To perform the exercise, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, with a dumbbell in each hand, then raise your arms straight in front of you until they are parallel to the ground.
Upright Rows
Upright rows target the traps and shoulders, helping to create an overall, strong upper body.
To perform the exercise, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, holding a barbell or dumbbell in front of your body. Pull the weight up to your chin, keeping your elbows out to the sides.
How Often Should Women Train Shoulders?
When it comes to training shoulders, women should incorporate shoulder exercises into their workout routine 2-3 times per week.
While giving your muscles time to recover between workouts is essential, training your shoulders regularly can help build strength and endurance.
If you're new to weightlifting, start by incorporating one shoulder workout per week and gradually increase the frequency as you become more comfortable with the exercises.
How to Build Toned Shoulder Muscles Fast?
Building toned shoulder muscles fast requires a combination of strength training and proper nutrition.
To build muscle, consuming enough protein to support muscle growth and repair is important. Aim to consume at least 1.2-2.2 g/kg of protein per day if you are not in a caloric deficit; however, if you are, you may need more than this (2).
Good protein sources include chicken, ground beef, fish, shrimp, eggs, and plant-based sources like tofu and beans.
Additionally, incorporating strength training exercises like dumbbell shoulder presses, lateral raises, and front raises can help build shoulder muscle quickly.
On top of strength training and proper nutrition, moving your body more throughout the day can help reduce overall body fat, revealing the muscles you've worked so hard to develop.
Bottom Line
Ladies, add shoulder workouts 2-3 times per week with between 6-12 reps for a defined and toned look! Cardio and protein are essential for fast results.
Bye-bye, covered arms; hello, balanced, strong, and sexy shoulders!
