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Serratus Anterior Strengthening Exercises

The serratus anterior muscle runs from the lateral surface of your ribs to the inside border of your scapula. This muscle plays an important role in horizontal arm movements such as pushing and punching and is often called the "boxer's muscle." Keeping this muscle strong defines your chest and keeps your shoulder joint stable and healthy.
Incline Press
Perform this exercise with dumbbells or a barbell to work the serratus anterior as well as the pectoralis major, anterior deltoids and triceps brachii. Sit on an incline bench angled at 45 to 60 degrees. Press your back firmly into the backrest and grasp the bar with an overhand grip wider than shoulder width. Lower the bar to your chest, then press it vertically by extending your arms.
Dumbbell Incline Shoulder Raise
This exercise isolates the serratus anterior muscles. Sit on an incline bench angled at 45 to 60 degrees. Hold a dumbbell in each hand and position the weights above your shoulders with your arms extended. Keeping your arms straight, raise your shoulders toward the dumbbells as high as possible. Pause, then lower your shoulders back to the bench.
Dumbbell Pullovers
Dumbbell pullovers work to strengthen the serratus anterior, pecs, triceps, latissimus dorsi and rhomboids while also stretching and expanding the rib cage. During the exercise, the serratus anterior, rhomboids and pectoralis minor stabilze the scapula so that the humerus can move from a stable base. Lie on a horizontal exercise bench with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Hold a dumbbell in the palms of both hands with your thumbs surrounding the handle. Begin with your arms extended vertically above your chest. Slowly lower the dumbbell behind your head, bending slightly at the elbows. Contract your back and chest to pull the dumbbell back to the starting position.
Medicine Ball Power Drops
This is a dynamic exercise that works not only your serratus anterior but also the muscles of your shoulders, arms, chest and abdomen. You will need a training partner to complete this exercise. Lie on the floor perpendicular to an exercise bench with your head near the bench. Bend your knees, place your feet flat on the floor and extend your arms vertically above your chest. Have your partner stand on the bench and hold a medicine ball, then drop the ball straight down to your outstretched hands. Catch the ball with both hands and allow it to fall all the way to your chest while controlling its deceleration. Once the ball reaches your chest, explosively push it away from your chest and into the air so that your partner can catch it.
References
- Anatomy & Physiology, Second Edition; Elaine N. Marieb
- Strength Training Anatomy; Frederic Delavier; Second Edition
- ExRx.net: Dumbbell Incline Shoulder Raise
- American Council on Exercise: Medicine Ball Power Drops
- Carr JB, John QE, Rajadhyaksha E, Carson EW, Turney KL. Traumatic avulsion of the serratus anterior muscle in a collegiate rower: a case report. Sports Health. 2017;9(1):80-83. doi:10.1177/1941738116670636
- Gooding BW, Geoghegan JM, Wallace WA, Manning PA. Scapular winging. Shoulder Elbow. 2014;6(1):4-11. doi:10.1111/sae.12033
- Lee SY, Lee HD, Cho YS, Han SH. Winged scapula caused by dorsal scapular neuropathy combined with suprascapular neuropathy: a case report. Medicine (Baltimore). 2018;97(40):e12515. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000012515
- Mastrella Ade S, Freitas-junior R, Paulinelli RR, Soares LR. Incidence and risk factors for winged scapula after surgical treatment for breast cancer. J Clin Nurs. 2014;23(17-18):2525-31. doi:10.1111/jocn.12443
- Feinberg JH, Radecki J. Parsonage-turner syndrome. HSS J. 2010;6(2):199-205. doi:10.1007/s11420-010-9176-x
- Day J. Effect of Exercise Position on Percent Changes in Serratus Anterior Muscle Thickness. J Exerc Sports Orthop. 2017 Jan; 4(1): 1-6. doi:10.15226/2374-6904/4/1/00153
Writer Bio
Jen Weir writes for several websites, specializing in the health and fitness field. She holds a Bachelor of Science in exercise science from Montana State University, is an NSCA-certified strength and conditioning specialist and maintains a personal trainer certification from the American College of Sports Medicine.