Online course
Overhead Lifting and Shoulders Workshop
Taught by Dr. Ryan DeBell, MS, DC
- Online video course
- 1 hour 43 minutes of video
- Lifetime access
An online course focused on shoulder health and overhead movements.
Learn how your shoulders work together with your shoulder blades, upper back and lower back, and get techniques to improve your overhead range of motion and control.
A note from Ryan
Hey, I'm Ryan, founder of Movement Fix.
The shoulder, or more specifically the glenohumeral joint, is the most mobile joint in the human body. That is what lets you move in so many ways, and it is also why the shoulder is so prone to pain and injury.
In modern fitness routines and daily life, the shoulder joint often makes up for limitations in other areas, like tightness around the rib cage or restricted movement in the shoulder blades and upper back. Those compensations lead to overuse, and the problems that show up in the shoulder joint are what most people call a 'shoulder problem'.
Improving your range of motion doesn't happen by accident. It is important to know what you are doing, and why. So where is your limit?
Breathing and bracing
Upper back
Shoulder blades
Shoulder joints
I created this workshop to give you a clear and comprehensive understanding of shoulder mechanics and health, for people who enjoy strength training and want to keep learning how to master their own bodies.
I first presented it live to a group of gym-goers and fitness trainers. Now you can watch it as video, whenever you like.
Ryan DeBell, MS, DC
Who it's for
Who this workshop is for
If you enjoy strength training, or you work with people who do, and you want healthy shoulders, this workshop is for you.
Weight trainers and gym enthusiasts
You want to improve your overhead lifting technique and your shoulder health.
Fitness trainers and coaches
You want effective methods to help your clients keep their shoulders healthy.
Anyone interested in shoulder health
You want to understand how to take care of your shoulders in daily activities and in other overhead movements.
What you'll gain
What you'll gain from the Overhead Lifting and Shoulders Workshop
Find what is limiting your overhead range of motion, and what to do about it.
1
Increase your range of motion correctly
Stretching and improving range of motion doesn't happen by accident. It is important to know what you are doing and why.
2
Counteract shoulder issues from modern life
Learn how to move your upper back, shoulder blades and shoulder joints, and how to breathe and brace, and you will counteract many of the underlying reasons people get shoulder issues.
3
Feel better
When you strengthen your body, learn your limitations and compensations, and improve your coordination and understanding, your body feels better.
4
Gain more autonomy over your own body and health
Information is powerful. By taking the time to watch this course, you will gain a bit more understanding and some tools to help with your own body.
Course overview
What's inside the workshop
Bite sized videos
11 video lessons in 7 modules, 1 hour 43 minutes in all, with the key points written below each video.
The note packet
A Start Here page explains how the workshop works and has the class notes to download.
Yours for good
Your access does not expire. The modules can be watched in any order, but they are meant to be watched in order.
Curriculum
Seven modules. Two of the lessons are free: watch them right below the table.
Module
Topic
Approx. length
Free lesson
Start here
Start Here
How the workshop works, and the class notes to download.
–
–
Module 1
Intro Concepts
In this module, you'll learn:
- A general overview of the course
- Mobility vs stability and motor control
- The basics of the joint by joint approach
- The importance of the shoulder blade and of the shoulder joint, and upper back mobility needs
- A neck demo: a range of motion limitation isn't always a mobility problem that requires stretching
See the 3 lessons
- 1.1 Intro Concepts pt. 1 (23:24)
- 1.2 Intro Concepts pt. 2 (8:14)
- 1.3 Neck Demo (3:41)
35 min
–
Module 2
Breathing and Bracing
In this module, you'll learn:
- A step by step process for breathing and bracing
- The breath, brace, and combination test
- Practicing until it is easy
- Why this method increases spine stiffness for the best force transfer and safety
See the lesson
- 2.1 Breathing and Bracing (13:27)
13 min
–
Module 3
Mobility Screening
In this module, you'll learn:
- A modified wall angel test to quickly identify who has mobility limitations
- Why it doesn't tell you exactly what to work on, and why wall angels aren't necessarily the best mobility drill
- How to tell who needs more specific testing and who would be better off doing more strengthening and control work
See the lesson
- 3.1 Mobility Screening (3:16) · Free lesson
3 min
Free lesson
Module 4
The Upper Back
In this module, you'll learn:
- The cat cow test: moving the different parts of your spine independently
- How the same drill, done with focus, works as upper back mobility work
- Band pull aparts, and why they are commonly done incorrectly
- Let the shoulder blades move freely, and don't forcefully pinch them together
See the 2 lessons
- 4.1 The Cat Cow Test (10:53)
- 4.2 Working the Upper Back (7:50)
19 min
–
Module 5
Shoulder Mobility
In this module, you'll learn:
- The scratch test, to find mobility issues that come from the shoulder and the muscles around it, in contrast to upper back tightness
- How far apart your fists should be, and why hand size and arm length change it
- Basic mobility drills to improve overhead range of motion, from the short list we use
See the 2 lessons
- 5.1 The Scratch Test (4:08) · Free lesson
- 5.2 Basic Mobility Drills (6:15)
10 min
Free lesson
Module 6
Control and Strength
In this module, you'll learn:
- Motor control and strength drills
- Why the shoulder blades need to be able to move
- How they typically should follow and accentuate the motion of your hand
See the lesson
- 6.1 Control and Strength Drills (14:10)
14 min
–
Module 7
Closing Thoughts
In this module, you'll learn:
- There are many ways to combine these concepts into programming
- The most important thing is to know where you should be working
- A general sequence: roll out, range of motion work, control work, use it in a lift
See the lesson
- 7.1 Closing Thoughts (7:30)
8 min
–
Free lessons
Watch two free lessons
Two lessons from the workshop are free to watch here, start to finish. They are the complete lessons, not clips. Press play on either one.
3.1 Mobility Screening
Free lesson · Module 3 · 3:16
A modified wall angel test to quickly identify who has a mobility limitation, and who needs more specific testing.
Meet your instructor
Dr. Ryan DeBell, MS, DC
Ryan DeBell is the founder of Movement Fix. He earned a Master's degree in Sport & Exercise Science and a Doctorate in chiropractic at the University of Western States.
He designed this workshop and first presented it live to a group of gym-goers and fitness trainers. It is now available to anyone as an online video course.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Can I see a sample?
Absolutely! Two of the lessons are free to watch in full, right on this page: 3.1 Mobility Screening and 5.1 The Scratch Test. Watch the two free lessons.
How will I get access to the video?
At checkout you create an account with your email address. The course is then in My Account, under Courses/Seminars: log in and press Enter course. The link to the course is also in your order email.
How long do I get access for?
Access to this video workshop does not expire.
What is included?
11 video lessons in 7 modules, with the key points written below each video, and the class notes to download.
How do I know if this workshop is not right for me?
It is probably not a fit if you are a complete beginner who is new to weightlifting and needs foundational training before focusing on overhead movements, if you do not do activities that stress your shoulders or have no interest in improving shoulder mobility, or if you are looking for a quick fix: this workshop focuses on long-term strategies and understanding rather than immediate, temporary solutions.
What is your return policy for this course?
We have a 30-day satisfaction guarantee. If you are unhappy with your purchase, email us at [email protected] within 30 days, include the email address you purchased with, and we will process your request in 3-5 days. See how it works.
What happens if I need help?
We're here for you! You can reach out to us via email at [email protected] with any questions and we'll make sure you're taken care of.
Overhead Lifting and Shoulders Workshop
An online course focused on shoulder health and overhead movements.
- 11 video lessons in 7 modules, 1 hour 43 minutes in all
- The key points written below each video
- The class notes to download
- Lifetime access. Your access does not expire
$39.00
One-time payment
30-Day Satisfaction Guarantee
If you are unhappy with your purchase, email us within 30 days and we will process your request in 3-5 days. How the guarantee works
Questions before you buy? Email [email protected].