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Cuban Press

AdvancedStrengthTier T3
Cuban Press

Three-part movement: upright row, external rotation, then press. Advanced rotator cuff exercise.

Targets: Shoulder
Muscles: Rotator Cuff, Infraspinatus, Teres Minor, Deltoids, Serratus Anterior

Stop if

Choose an easier exercise if pain reaches 6 out of 10 or becomes sharp. Stop and rest if pain reaches 8 out of 10.

This is the general ClapMove rule. This exercise has no extra stop rule of its own.

  • Pain 6 out of 10 or more: choose an easier exercise.
  • Pain 8 out of 10 or more: stop and rest.

Equipment needed

  • Works at home
  • Works at the gym

dumbbells

Home Options

  • dumbbells

No equipment? Try: Resistance bands

Dosage

3

Sets

8

Reps / Time

60 sec

Rest

2 pull / 2 rotate / 2 press / 2 down

Tempo

Step-by-Step Guide

Set up

  • Stand with light dumbbells at thighs
  • Feet shoulder-width apart
  • Use very light weight to start
  1. Cuban Press - Step 1 of 5: Pull elbows up and out (upright row position)

    Step 1 of 5

    Pull elbows up and out (upright row position)

  2. Cuban Press - Step 2 of 5: Rotate forearms up to 90/90 position

    Step 2 of 5

    Rotate forearms up to 90/90 position

  3. Cuban Press - Step 3 of 5: Press weights overhead

    Step 3 of 5

    Press weights overhead

  4. Cuban Press - Step 4 of 5: Reverse: lower to 90/90, rotate down, lower to start

    Step 4 of 5

    Reverse: lower to 90/90, rotate down, lower to start

  5. Cuban Press - Step 5 of 5: This is one rep

    Step 5 of 5

    This is one rep

Breathing

  • Breathe out on the press
  • Breathe in on the way down

Form Cues

  • Use light weight
  • Control each phase
  • Keep core tight
  • Don't rush

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Weight too heavy
  • Rushing through phases
  • Poor rotation control
  • Losing form when tired

Safety Information

Advanced exercise. Master each phase separately first.

Progressions

Slowly increase weight over time

Regressions

Break into separate parts first

90/90 External RotationIntermediate