The Halo is the perfect exercise for targeting full shoulder mobility. Scroll down to learn the PROPER HALO FORM and to learn ALL THE MUSCLES in this exercise!
Let's really get those shoulder working, shall we? Let's try doing this exercise with dumbbell.
1. Stand with legs hip-width apart, facing straight ahead, holding the middle bar of a dumbbell in your hands.
2. Gently raise your forearm up (imagine your elbow being lifted by a puppet's string). Then brush your forearm over the top of your head, as you guide the dumbbell to the back of your head.
3. When the dumbbell is at the back of your head, make sure your hands don't lift too high. Try to stay a little below the centre of the back of your head.
4. Gently bring your opposite forearm back to the front, brushing it over the top of your head, as you guide the dumbbell back in front of you.
5. Keep going again! Or you can reverse and go in the opposite direction.
The Halo really targets the FULL shoulder. So if you really want to increase the strength, range of motion and flexibility of your shoulders, including the shoulder girdle and rotator cuff, this exercise is perfect for you.
The primary muscle group of the shoulder is your Deltoids, which actually make up the round 'shape' of your shoulders. Because in the Halo exercise, you are turning your shoulders in a complete rotation, you target every muscle in the Deltoid group! That includes your anterior, posterior and lateral deltoids.
You can also expect to work your Biceps and Triceps in your arms, as they help guide the dumbbell or kettlebell around your head.
Other muscles that are part of your shoulder girdle, such as your Trapezius (which is located on your back, just below your neck), and your Subscapularis (which is a part of your shoulder blade on your back), are worked in this exercise.
Stay tuned for more variations of the Halo exercise! If you still need any help in doing this exercise or would like to learn more about it, contact DANCE CUBE on the Join the Cube page!