The name says it all: This is one brutal shoulder workout.

But what feels like total annihilation for some is just another day at the gym for MuscleTech-sponsored athlete and Team Bodybuilding.com member Abel Albonetti.



Known for his high-volume training and willingness to endure pain in pursuit of gains, Albonetti shares his meanest shoulder workout yet.

Abel Albonetti's Brutal Shoulder Workout
1
Seated dumbbell shoulder press
6 sets, 12, 10, 8, 6, 10, 10 reps (the last 2 sets of 10 are double dropsets)
+ 8 more exercises

BodyFit

$6.99/month
  • 2,500+ expert-created single workouts
  • 3,500+ how-to exercise videos
  • Detailed workout instruction
  • Step-by-step workout tips
  • Training at gym or at home
  • Access to Workout Plans
  • Access to Bodyfit App
  • Store Discounts

What comes with BodyFit?

  • Instructional Videos
  • Don't risk doing a workout improperly! Avoid injury and keep your form in check with in-depth instructional videos.

  • How-to Images
  • View our enormous library of workout photos and see exactly how each exercise should be done before you give it a shot.

  • Step-by-Step Instructions
  • Quickly read through our step-by-step directions to ensure you're doing each workout correctly the first time, every time.

Dropsets for Maximum Reps

Nearly every exercise of this workout ends in a dropset, and in some cases a double or triple dropset. A dropset is where you perform the prescribed number of reps for the set, then drop to a lower weight and immediately perform another set to failure at that weight.

If it's a double or triple drop, you drop down and go to failure twice on a double and three times on a triple. For example, on the seated cable shoulder press, you'll perform 3 sets of 10, then on the fourth set perform 10 reps, drop the weight, rep to failure, drop the weight, rep to failure, drop the weight one last time, and rep to failure.

For the final burnout superset at the end, you'll repeat the side raise and the front raise, this time using the same set of dumbbells for both. Perform the side raises to failure, then front raises to failure before resting, then repeat for 4 total sets. For an extra burn, hold the weights up as long as you can at the end of each set, increasing the time your shoulders spend under tension.

About the Author

Heather Eastman, NSCA-CPT

Heather Eastman, NSCA-CPT

Heather’s mission is to use her passion for fitness and her knowledge of training and nutrition to educate and motivate others to enjoy a healthy and active lifestyle.

View all articles by this author