In any combat sport be it MMA, jiu-jitsu, wrestling, judo, boxing and kickboxing, shoulder strength and flexibility are essential. Internal and external rotation of the shoulder is important in throwing, pulling, pushing or even punching an opponent. Many combat athletes have a tendency of injuring their shoulders. Constant wear and tear leads to overuse and puts a combat athlete at risk. Strength and conditioning coaches should give some attention to not only strengthening the shoulder but also making it more flexible, you know the shoulder locks in jiu-jitsu could hurt.
Recently I had the honor of trying out a product that works on the two aspects mentioned above. The Rotator, which was created by Scott Kay and produced by Joint Mechanix LLC, is an excellent product that helps with shoulder strengthening and flexibility.
Along with The Rotator, I received instructions on how to set it up, a sheet with different exercises that can be performed with The Rotator the Strong-Arm band and the Velcro strap to perform the different exercises shown. Another thing that came with the Rotator was a DVD that gives us some great information on the shoulder joint and external and internal rotation exercises. (Side note: check out the blooper segment)
After taking it out and playing with it for a few minutes I knew instantly that this product would be of beneficial use to not only combat athletes but people in general. So I gave The Rotator a solid run for the last four weeks or so. I used the Rotator 4-5 times a week. I did the basic internal and external exercises that are shown on the video and on the sheet that came with The Rotator. Majority of the exercise were very easy to figure out especially with the use of the pictures and video. There were one or two that at first I had trouble getting the position right but I found the groove.
Before the four-week period was up I found that The Rotator was working well for me. During my Thai Boxing training my shoulders felt stronger and I was able to do the conditioning drills at a higher pace. On the grappling mat I found my flexibility had improved in my shoulder especially when people were attacking my shoulder for different submissions. I also found it useful in the weight room as well. With the snatching and overhead pressing it has helped improved my training sessions in the gym. I am going to continue using The Rotator to help my shoulder flexibility and strength out.
So if you are a combat athlete or you just want to strengthen your shoulder and make it more flexible definitely go get yourself a Rotator. Your shoulders will thank you. Below is the video of the introduction, which is found on the DVD that comes with your purchase of The Rotator. Come check out the site just click here http://therotater.com/wp/
