Warm-Up Circuit to Improve Your Front Rack Barbell Position
The front rack position is required when performing lifts such as cleans, front squats, and push presses. This position requires thoracic spine extension, lat muscle flexibility, and shoulder external rotation mobility.
Here is a quick warm-up circuit to prep your shoulders and spine for the front rack position:
Perform 3 Rounds
1️⃣Thoracic Extension w/ Elbow Flexion and Extension - 5x
2️⃣Thoracic Extension w/ Shoulder Lift Offs - 5x
3️⃣Front Rack Elbow Wall Slides - 5x
Give these a try!
Thoracic Extension w/ Elbow Flexion and Extension
Thoracic Extension w/ Shoulder Lift Offs
Front Rack Elbow Wall Slides
Overhead Shoulder Warm-Up Exercises
I usually have issues with end-range shoulder flexion during overhead loading, these exercises help prepare my shoulders by increasing my range of motion and stability in those positions.
Here are some of my go-to warm up exercises that I use to prep my shoulders for overhead lifts. Use light to medium weights (this is just a warm-up)
1️⃣ Thoracic Extension + Unilateral Elbow Liftoff
🔸Find an elevated surface to rest your elbows on
🔸With both hands touching your shoulder drop your chest towards the floor while maintaining a neutral spine
🔸Lift one elbow off the surface and hold for 5 seconds
2️⃣ Landmine Shoulder Rotations
🔸Start at end-range shoulder flexion with neutral spine
🔸Lower the barbell to one side and bring it back up, make sure the motion is slow and controlled
3️⃣ Bottoms-up Kettlebell Presses
🔸Start at a 90/90 elbow/shoulder position
🔸Press dumbbell up into end range shoulder flexion and hold for 5 seconds