Why is external rotation important?

External rotation is crucial for maintaining healthy shoulder mechanics and overall posture. Andrew Huberman emphasizes the importance of external rotation to counteract the prevalent inward rotation that many people exhibit due to excessive sitting and poor postural habits. Focusing on external rotation in exercises helps avoid the potential dangers of movements like the upright row, which can compromise shoulder mechanics and lead to injuries.

Furthermore, many commonly performed weight training programs neglect external rotation exercises, leaving the rotator cuff muscles, which are pivotal for external rotation, undertrained. This imbalance can lead to issues, especially when performing overhead movements or exercises that require a high degree of shoulder stability. Thus, incorporating activities that enhance external rotation of the shoulder can improve posture, reduce the risk of injuries, and ensure balanced muscle development around the shoulder joint 1 2.

Additionally, external rotation works across different joints and is integral not just for the shoulder but also for the hip, where similar principles apply. Properly training for external rotation of the hip can help avoid biomechanical issues and enhance overall stability and function of the lower body 3.