Stop "locking down" your scapular on lateral raises.

The notion that you should be "locking down" or holding "retraction and depression" of the scapula during a lateral raise is very misguided. Stability of the shoulder is dependent upon the scapula to be able to articulate and orientate with the humerus to provide the best possible mechanics for the joint. Restricting scapular motion in an exercise like the lateral raise only makes the exercise worse at best. Stability does not mean stationary or lack of mobility. We are designed to be stable in motion. Another misguided reason for doing this, is people think this will take your traps or trapezius muscles out of the exercise. Actually your traps will always work proportionately to the deltoids and the stability requirement of the scapula. Without tension in the traps, your delts would pull your scapula off your back instead of lifting your arm. The irony is that by adding repression and retraction you are likely increasing the demand on your traps. So do yourself a favor and start letting your scapula move appropriately during any exercise that moves the humerus. Holding them still during exercises that just move the elbow through flexion/extension like biceps and triceps is probably ok though. The N1 Membership Site has the most innovative Exercise Library, Articles, Videos, and Workout & Nutrition Programs www.N1.Training Shirts & Steel Shakers www.N1.Training/Merch Online Courses and Live Practical Events/Seminars www.N1.education N1 Education gives trainers, coaches, and fitness enthusiast the most complete and efficient education to set themselves apart from all others. Don't settle for a book or a course, N1 gives you an entire curriculum that is easy to apply to training and nutrition. Facebook   / n1education     / n1training   Instagram @N1.education @N1.training & @Coach_kassem Twitter @N1education