Which exercise is commonly used to strengthen the rotator cuff?

External rotation exercises are fundamental for strengthening the rotator cuff because they specifically target the muscles responsible for stabilizing and controlling shoulder movement. The rotator cuff is made up of four muscles—supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis—each of which plays a crucial role in shoulder stabilization.

External rotation exercises particularly focus on the infraspinatus and teres minor, which are essential for external rotation of the shoulder joint. Strengthening these muscles helps improve shoulder stability and function, particularly for activities that require overhead motions or reaching.

In contrast, shoulder shrugs primarily target the trapezius muscle and do not effectively engage the rotator cuff. Tricep extensions focus on the triceps muscle in the upper arm and do not involve the shoulder stabilization provided by the rotator cuff at all. Chest presses primarily work the pectoral muscles and also neglect the specific needs of the rotator cuff. Therefore, external rotation exercises stand out as a vital component in rotator cuff strengthening regimens.