What should I do if I feel weakness while doing shoulder exercises?

If an exercise is too difficult or uncomfortable, try modifying the exercise by decreasing the weight, changing arm position, or by performing the exercise with no weight at all. 

Shoulder weakness can sometimes come from overuse, an injury, or even arthritic conditions.  Shoulder weakness that is accompanied with pain should be looked at by a physician to determine any underlying causes. 

The following exercise decreases the risk of shoulder impingement and is a good option to try if you feel shoulder weakness.  This exercise can be performed with or without weights:

Standing Shoulder Scaption Exercise

Preparation

1. Stand with feet about hip width apart and feet pointing straight ahead.
2. Draw-in the abdominals
3. Keep feet pointed straight ahead.
4. Hold dumbbells in each hand and keep arms to the side of body. 

Movement

1. Raise both arms, thumbs up, at a 45-degree angle in front of the body to eye level.
2. Keep shoulder blades pulled back and down throughout the exercise. Do not allow the low back to arch.
3. Hold the position for 2 seconds.
4. Return arms slowly back to the side of the body.
5. Perform  2 to 3 sets of 8 to 12 repetitions.